Fandom The Unlikely Heroes of Seoul’s Superhero Academy

[Arabella Cauwell]

Title: The Unlikely Heroes of Seoul’s Superhero Academy
Fandom: BTS, Kpop
Main Pairing: MXM - Namjin
Place: Superhero Academy
Summary: BTS and various other kpop groups are actually Superheros and Superheroes in training. Two of these are Kim Namjoon and Kim Seokjin and friends who go from animosity to saving the world.​

~

The halls of Superhero Academy were bustling as Kim Namjoon tried to bob and weave his way through the various students, none of which looked quite as excited as him to get to their first class.

​

Namjoon couldn’t help it though, he had always been a bit of a nerd owning to his high intelligence and his dream of becoming a hero, despite his powers being more suited to the opposite team.

Namjoon had to keep tight control of his power, which was easier said than done. He was terrified that he might one day snap and do irreparable damage that he could not take back. While most students around SA loved to show off or use their powers to their advantage Namjoon had never publically used it.

The teachers of course knew why and due to the nature of his ‘Talent’ they were more than happy to allow him to avoid most practical demonstrations. In fact, he even had a private class set up where he could work on his powers with a teacher / mentor away from other students and special equipment during mainly practical courses. Because of the ‘mystery’ of this mostly unknown power and the fact that despite that he was able to stand as the friend of a rather talented group of people despite this there were a lot of rumors about him. It often seemed that half of the school thought of him as a legend, the other half a joke.

Some of these rumors were flattering, the kind he suspected was started by Jimin and / or Tae to combat the nastier ones. In these better rumors Namjoon was extremely gifted yet humble and the powers were quote “too much for mere mortals to stand.” Of course the other rumors were that he had no powers, but that since his parents were rich and he was smart he had somehow managed to get into Superhero Academy through money, connections, and intelligence. This less flattering view of him also alluded to the fact that the only reason Suga, Jimin, and Tae ‘followed him’ was because they were paid.

As absurd as that sounded Namjoon didn’t let it get to him. In fact a part of him was very amused that some portion of the student population thought that Suga could be bought and somehow still managed to live. Whatever upset he felt about this rumor in particular being spread was not about him and his lack of ‘talent’ but rather about how badly it reflected on his friends. People were practically calling them gold diggers and hired help in that scenario. But he couldn’t help what other people thought with their own free will, and Namjoon felt that the truth was worse, at least for him, then the fictions thought up by his schoolmates.

Namjoon snapped out of his thoughts as he brushed past two hulking figures. He couldn’t remember either of their names, but he did remember their powers. One was able to harden so that he was practically rock and the other had super strength, both looked pissed and Namjoon lifted his hands up in a surrendering motion as they glared at him. Namjoon had the distinct impression that the two might have ignored the gesture in favor of hitting him had it not been for the sudden arrival of one of his best friends Min Yoongi.

Min Yoongi was an interesting case, because although he was on the smaller side, there was something about him that inspired fear in others. It was a look and a presence, Namjoon was pretty sure, which was funny because despite his tough looking exterior and no-nonsense attitude, he could also be pretty adorable and sweet sometimes, but Namjoon would be damned if he was the one to say that to his face. And even if he did it would not be at this moment as he was glaring daggers at the two other boys, daring them to try something.

Namjoon let out a little sigh as Suga, as Namjoon and close friends liked to call Yoongi, gently nudged the other boy forward and yawned once he didn’t have to continue giving the other two glares,

“Why do you always get up so early? You know it’s not a good idea for you to be alone in the halls.” Suga put in, half considering demanding a piggyback ride, but deciding that probably wouldn’t continue to inspire fear in others.

Namjoon shook his head a little and shooed the thought away with his hands,

“I’ll be fine, most people are all talk anyway. Nothing horrendous happened to me even without big bad Suga to scare the rest of the population away…well most of it anyway.” Namjoon mused as a small group of decidedly Suga’s fans giggled and waved at him.

Suga merely glared at them and rolled his eyes before grabbing Namjoon’s shirt at one wrist and moving him along,

“Most are not all Namjoon, besides I really don’t get it if you only used a little of your power most of these punks would-” Suga began, but Namjoon gave him a look that he knew all too well so he stopped midsentence knowing that his friend did not even want hints about his power anywhere people could hear.

“Violence is rarely the answer.”

Suga snorted,

“Says a clearly delusional student of a Superhero Academy,” At this point Suga ushered his friend into their classroom for dramatic effect before adding, “and you’re wrong my friend, violence is always the answer.”

Ever the peacemaker Namjoon let that go as he slid into a seat in the front causing Suga’s eyes to widen, before narrowing again,

“Have you learned nothing from last year?” Suga hissed at his friend, legs itching to go to the back of the room, “it’s the first day of the new semester Joon, are you trying to get called a teacher’s pet?”

Namjoon blinked at his friend before saying, quite clearly,

“No, I’m just trying to learn, that’s why we all should be here.”

Suga slapped his forehead and let out a sigh,

“I’m sorry Joon but I am not about to sit in the front seat like a kiss up. Will you be okay up here without me?”

Namjoon simply smirked at his friend with a little laugh,

“I’m sure no one would dare to mess with me during a Superhero class, particularly when I have such intimidating back up.” Namjoon teased, taking out a textbook, notebook, and a pen.

Although it had been a joke Suga nodded,

“They’d better not.” He said rather loudly as he made his way to the back of the room, scared one of the seats only and current occupants, and settled in the seat looking self satisfied.

Namjoon smiled fondly at his friend before turning back around, bouncing with excitement at the thought of what he might learn that day, as he heard Suga curse when he realized how early Namjoon had set his clock earlier than it needed to be. Class would not start for the next fifteen minutes, but Namjoon couldn’t wait. Little did he know that his bubble would soon burst.

But before it did Namjoon daydreamed about what he would soon do or learn, before wondering how Jimin and Tae were doing in their own classes. Not that anyone’s would start for the next fifteen minutes, but it was nice to imagine. Namjoon hoped it would go well for his friends, that would make the day even better.

As for that moment all Suga hoped was that he wouldn’t feel the need to slug anyone before lunch, decidedly friends included.

 

[underoos]

Rule following had never really been Seokjin's style. After all, with a power like his, he could practically make the rules himself. Of course, he never thought of using his ability to manipulate for evil purposes, but it may have crossed his mind a time or two to talk to the principal of the school and suggest a... later time to start classes. By suggest, he meant to compel the principal to do so, because it wouldn't be evil if it was for the benefit of the students, right?

He trudged through the academy and stared down a hall at all the heads of students wandering back and forth to get to class. Okay, he would never do something like that. But honestly, why so early? Crime didn't wait until 8 am to start. Rubbing at his eyes with a sigh, he knew he looked more unkempt than he should have. Seokjin always prided himself on his appearance, so to look as out of place as he did was a bit startling. He knew he got flack for it; some people thought he was pompous with his rather flirtatious and self-confident attitude that he used 99% of the time. But it was better to exude confidence than seem unsure or nervous, in his eyes. Seemed he just managed to get on other people's nerves with that sort of philosophy.

Today, though, Seokjin was the one whose nerves were being grated. He was pretty sure that his hair wouldn't go back to a normal state until he was able to brush and style it later, his sweatpants were very unlike his usual style, and his bag wasn't even filled with the essentials he needed for class. What a great first day of the semester, he thought grumpily to himself as he began to slip past other students in the hallway.

Seokjin had been at the school for a few years by that point. His parents had always known he was a super, with the way he could convince them to give him sweets just by demanding so (and it wasn't a surprise he was a chunky baby and kid; thank god he had slimmed down during puberty). His mother had been more approving of this news, coming from a family that had a few superpowered members within, but his father wasn't as inclined to look kindly upon it. Jin had a strained relationship with him, always wanting to show that he could do good in the world. There was a lot of temptation to make others do what he wanted, and for that, he had promised himself he wouldn't give in for selfish reasons. He had learned over the years just what the consequences looked like.

Being at the school meant he could learn how to control himself and resist the temptations that surrounded him in daily life. That didn't mean he couldn't mess around with his power, though. It was hilarious to cause mayhem with the small team he was a part of. To tell the Hoseok and Jungkook to be quiet and watch them both get irritated made him snicker more often than not. Banter was often a part of their every day conversation, but in all seriousness, Jin cared deeply for them. He was the oldest of their tiny group and it was up to him to see that they grew and matured into good heroes, just as he was trying to do himself. Jungkook was the youngest, eager as ever to become a good hero, and Seokjin always smiled at the kid's enthusiasm.

Hoseok had been a good friend of his, though, over the last couple of years. Where others weren't as fond of Seokjin's actions, Hoseok's own personality seemed to compliment Jin's. It was a damn good friendship, if anyone were to ask Seokjin.

And, almost as though he were summoned, Hoseok's bright hair caught Seokjin's attention just down the hall. His friend wasn't much of a morning person either despite being the epitome of sunshine any other time of the day, but at least he seemed to be faring better than Seokjin was that morning.

"Remind me again why we need these classes?" Jin asked as he caught up to Hoseok, who raised a hand in greeting to him.

His friend huffed a laugh. "Aw, come on. It's only the first day of the semester."

Swiping his hands over his clothes, Seokjin said, "Yeah, I know. First day and it's already started like this. If this is a testament to how the rest of the year is going to go, I think I'll quit now." The joke was a little flat, but Hoseok understood it all the same.

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he only said to his hyung, "Stop being so dramatic. One bad hair day isn't the end of the world. Come on, if we don't get to class soon, then we won't get a good seat." And he always copied the notes off of Seokjin, hence the reason why he wanted to sit with him again in class. They began to make their way through the crowd again that had started to disperse with lessons starting soon. "Besides, I have a good feeling for this semester. We've got good classes. Jungkook did well last semester with you helping him out so much, so I think he's determined to do the same this semester. Don't look so negatively on it."

"Mm," was Seokjin's reply, putting one of his hands in his pocket. "You may be right. It could be good. Could. But it's only the first class, so let's just take the optimism slow, alright?"

Hoseok decided to leave the optimistic conversation there, knowing that Jin wasn't in the mood for any more of that sort of conversation, which wasn't quite normal of him. He accepted it, though and instead, he started talking about their first class and what he was excited for, based off of the syllabus he had been reading.

They made it to the classroom, which was already quite full. Seokjin sighed, patting Hoseok's shoulder. "Sorry, Seokie," he sympathized. "Looks like sitting by each other is not in the cards for this semester. Or this class at least."

Hoseok pouted exaggeratedly before shrugging. "Maybe next time you should get up sooner, then we could."

"Yah!" Seokjin went to swipe at him, only for Hoseok to duck his hand and run off, searching for a seat in the back (safely away from Jin).

With a quiet 'tsk' and the slightest smile, Jin looked around the classroom that was filling up. Most tables were full and those that weren't were taken up by intimidating students (namely Min Yoongi, who managed to scare Jin sometimes. Or most of the time). With not many choices left, he looked directly in front of him, at the table taken up by a boy who he recognized almost immediately. That was Kim Namjoon. The one who was whispered about in the halls, so many rumors surrounding him. Some said he had the greatest powers of all time, some said he was a worthless wannabe who bought his way in. Seokjin was as curious as the school population, honestly. He'd come to assume that his powers were weak or nonexistent. More often than not, they couldn't stand each other. They couldn't see eye to eye on much with their clashing personalities and opinions.

The options were slim enough that he didn't have much choice to find any other seat, slowly trudging around the table to take the seat next to Namjoon reluctantly. He looked... way too excited to be in the class. If he had to sit by some know-it-all for the entire period, then his top would probably blow. He wasn't exactly the most patient person that morning. "Either you had too much coffee or you're genuinely excited for this class that is at an ungodly hour," Seokjin said before he could stop himself, leaning back in his seat. The comment that may have come in a joking sort of tone any other time was matched with a slight frown and tired looking eyes as he looked toward Namjoon.

 

[Arabella Cauwell]

Most students in any school, hero or otherwise did not take the front seats unless they had no choice. Picking them first thing was a sure way to get labeled as a nerd or know-it-all, but Namjoon had never cared about such things. In a way he liked when people thought he was weaker than he was, because it was better than being viewed as a monster.

Suga did not agree with him, mind you, relishing the fear that he personally brought out in others so that they wouldn’t dare bother him or his friends, but he more than most knew and understood Namjoon’s destructive powers and what could happen if the other boy unleashed them. Most of all he knew that if something too bad ever happened Namjoon wouldn’t be able to live with it, so he did his best to keep an eye on him around school, and occasionally checked up on Tae and Jimin, but few people chose to mess with those two since they were fairly joined at the him as if they were real siblings and were pretty fiercely protective of each other and inventive. Suga had to discipline them sometimes, but even he preferred not to, especially when they both looked at him with matching smirks.

Suga shivered just thinking about it as he watched JHope sit down practically in reach of him, being in front of him but to the left. The chairs on either side of Suga had become vacant once he’d sat down, most people in class not wanting to piss him off. It was a little funny that Suga had gotten attached enough to Namjoon to want to stick with him through the program considering he was not a fan of authority and he acted more like a delinquent, closer to Seokjin’s group really now that he thought about it. But there were some main factors that helped Suga to choose a friendship with Namjoon and one major reason that he hadn’t wanted to be closer to Seokjin those years ago.

Yoongi had accepted to join the Superhero school back then in order to get away from the controlling grip of his parents, his father in particular, and gain more independence. He’d always hated being told what to do, especially since his father had micromanaged practically everything in his life and his mother had let him. This was a big reason that Suga disliked Seokjin and why he had used his power to create to develop a device that would hopefully offset Seokjin’s charisma if the other boy tried. Thankfully Seokjin left him alone, seemingly afraid or at least nervous of him ever since he had headbutted the other boy that first year the minute he figured out his powers.

Namjoon was an enigma. Suga had not liked his enthusiastic and way too kind personality when they met in first year. He had thought the other boy was weak, fake, or both. Due to his weapon making ability and his natural ability to make people fear him he had not had any friends then, neither did he feel he wanted them since they made him weak. He had threatened or did some seemingly psychotic things to every member of class, but none had surprised him as much as Namjoon, who seemed the weakest, but who never seemed to fear him.

At first that knowledge had actually bugged Suga. He liked that people feared him and who was the weakling Kim Namjoon not to? He had amped up his game, doing somethings that were admittedly downright cruel, trying to break him, but the bastard wouldn’t break. He didn’t even seem to get angry and never even tried to use his powers against him. Suga wasn’t dumb, he knew the other student must have powers. He didn’t buy that the other boy bought his way in alone. Everyone at Superhigh had to have one, but Namjoon never used it and no matter how bad the rumors got between he didn’t have them, to he had an embarrassing one, to an un-useful one, Namjoon never confirmed nor denied as if it shouldn’t matter and that drove Suga insane for a while.

Due to his unsuperhero-like behavior the class began to whisper about him as well. Although Superhero Academy was formed to create Superheros, the school didn’t get to control what happened once one graduated, so a fair amount of villains got their start in these same halls. Suga did not act like a Superhero and so the whispers began that he was going to one day be a Supervillain. Suga even mulled it over for a bit. He had not really liked too many people he’d known. They were selfish and annoying. He didn’t like authority and people were generally undeserving of saving so what was the point? At that his antics rose and some of the teachers got involved. It seemed like practically everyone was against him, and he acted like that was fine with him.

One day his antics hit a head and a group of students decided to ban together to ‘put him in his place.’ It was after all a Superhero school and the group felt that it was okay to gang up on him since ‘he was a villain after all.’ Suga had fought well for a while, but eventually there were too many of them with too many different skills. Even his mechanics couldn’t keep up. So after knocking out as many as he could he had drained all of his energy. He remembered sliding down the wall he had put up against his back to give him some cover, his energy completely drained, noting that now he was going to get what was coming to him. He still looked fierce and defiant, but he was tired and now they would get to get him back for all those nasty things. Karma came and he accepted it although he felt a deep sadness and loneliness in that moment that he’d never admit.

What was left of the group had created a circle around him. They began taunted and kicking him. Calling him a villain and telling him this was what he deserved. It was mostly true, but Suga still thought they were cowards for coming after him with so many. Was this what the Superhero program was about? Villains, weaklings, and bullies? He let out a laugh and said so as he spit a little blood from a cheek cut out of his mouth. Then suddenly the hitting and kicking stopped, confusing him in the moment. He knew the groups bloodlust was not yet lost. He could still feel it around him, but looking up he was shocked to find that someone was standing in between him and the group. A Scrawny, nerdy looking someone who looked like they could probably be thrown into the garbage by even the smallest member of the group of blood thirsty ‘heroes’ now standing against him,

“That’s enough. How can you call yourselves heroes in training when so many of you get together like this just to hurt someone?” Namjoon had said surprising the crowd enough that they actually paused.

Namjoon was pretty much a punching bag at that point especially. He didn’t have any friends due to confusion over rumors and not being about to show off and he never fought back when he was bullied irregardless of who it was, so it was odd for everyone to see him standing up for someone when he refused to do it for himself. It was even odder for him to stand up for someone who bullied him probably the worst or second worst at the time and who was so powerful himself.

Suga couldn’t take such humiliation and so he snorted before teasing,

“That’s enough Namjoon-ie, what kind of idiot stands up for a villain against heroes? Thinking of joining me and becoming my minion? Well guess again, you’re not qualified.” The nickname was not meant to be cute but to humiliate and undermine the other student. Suga refused to be the only one embarrassed.

Namjoon had turned his head first and then the rest of his body at that before looking at Suga with a look that took Suga’s breath away, it was the most intimidating look he had ever seen, causing even him to gulp, but the words that came out of the other boys mouth then were oddly gentle if firm,

“You’re not a villain Min Yoongi,” and then to the horror of everyone else around him Namjoon placed his hand on Suga’s heart and Suga was pissed that tears began to well up in his eyes like Namjoon was reading his soul, “you’re just hurt.”

Namjoon paused before adding,

“If you don’t like being told what to do, then why do you allow others to tell you who you are?”

Suga had no response for that but to gape at the other boy, angry that tears were pooling in his eyes, angry and yet somehow relieved that the other boy seemed to understand something he hadn’t let himself figure out.

He remembered thinking to himself,

‘Is his f’*king power mind reading?’

The rest of that event was chaos. Some of the crowd took it out on Namjoon and Suga watched unable to move even if he wanted to. Namjoon had not left his hand there for long, looking nervous to have touch something or someone. Later Suga would find out that was because he had been afraid of hurting Suga, not that he was afraid of being hurt. These qualities of Namjoon made Suga unable to resist befriending him. He’d tried to play it off at first, but Namjoon had welcomed him with an open smile and a calm presence that helped to temper Suga’s wild spirit.

After that Suga let go of some of the villainesque behavior and Namjoon had a few less bullies at least when he was around. When Suga eventually found out the others powers, in a freak accident, he had realized just how complimentary they were, and at that point Suga had decided that they were friends for life.

No matter how weak he looked, Suga believed that Namjoon was the strongest of their class and maybe even the school, because he had a power that could kill or bring people to their knees, but he choose not to hurt and that was the bravest thing that Suga could ever imagine.

Speaking of which, Suga frowned as he watched Seokjin sit next to his best friend tense. If he saw any strange behavior beyond the usual wordplay he would not sit idolly by. In fact, he was suddenly that much more interested in the fact that Hoseok was more close to him. Especially since the only free seats left in the class were on either side of him. With a little bit of a wicked grin Yoongi leaned forward and towards the left and used his foot to drag J-hopes chair closer to him in order to whisper threateningly in the other boy’s ear,

“Jung Hoseok you had better hope that Seokjin keeps his pretty little mouth to himself. I’m feeling rather lazy so I’m afraid I’ll have to take all my animosity out on you. If Namjoon does…oh I don’t know something out of character, then I might have to resort to something petty. Did you know that Elasticity is at a distinct disadvantage to cutting attacks or piercing attacks?” he said as if conversationally with an evil smirk.

Okay so he wasn’t the goody-two-shoes that Namjoon was, but he had to have a little fun now here and there, and watching the reaction from his threats was definitely in his top ten. Going through with them…well let’s just say it wasn’t that far behind depending on the threat.

While Suga was threatening Jung Hoseok, Namjoon was suddenly looking distinctly uncomfortable when he realized that Kim Seokjin of all people had chosen to sit next to him.Glancing around the room he realized that there weren’t many options and that was probably why this had happened, but it made him flustered. He took a minute to put his glasses on to give his hands something to do and his brain time to function again.

There were very few people that actually scared Namjoon despite being picked on so much. He was often more afraid of hurting others than of getting hurt, but Seokjin’s power was scary. Namjoon had fought for control of his own powers for his whole life. It was not an easy existence and each time his temper got the better of him fear would engulf his whole heart. Perhaps that was why he could see Suga for what he really was all of those years ago. His own powers had aligned so much with a villains power, but he didn’t want to be that person. He wanted to save people, not kill them or destroy their familes, buildings, and livelihoods.

Namjoon were venture to guess that the problem between him and Seokjin was primarily his fault. He feared a power that could undue him and Seokjin was the one. Not to mention that Seokjin was also beautiful, too beautiful for such a power to be necessary. Puberty had seemingly been very kind to his Charismatic classmate, but it had practically punched Namjoon in the face upon realizing that if anyone could cause him to lose his, mostly amazing control, it was Seokjin, and that was the scariest thing he could imagine.

Of course he had to do his best to hide his fear from the other. Seokjin did not like him and because of that Namjoon had to make sure that Seokjin never found out what his powers were. The wrong words from the other could spell certain disaster and Namjoon couldn’t let that happen. Of course he couldn’t fight the other boy physically, so he was thankful for the wit and intellect that could do the job. He was also thankful for a ton of research and some of his classes which helped him work on defenses for Seokjin’s type of power, the one he feared only secondary to his own.

Soon Seokjin had talked to him, sounding practically civil for how their conversations usually sounded, but the other boy was obviously tired. Seokjin was pretty big about his looks, but Namjoon thought that he looked even better right now with slight bed head and comfort than when he tried harder. It wasn’t really fair just how good looking the other was naturally. It was distracting, but if anyone could muster focus when he needed it then Namjoon was the one,

“What’s not to be excited about? One of the best things about living is learning, no matter what time of day,” He said with a smile at the thought, but as he couldn’t afford to get to close to Seokjin for saving the world reasons he added, “it’s just too bad it disturbed your beauty sleep, it looks like you needed a couple of more hours for that one.”

It was odd to be making a joke about Seokjin’s look when Namjoon could barely avoid drooling at him, and since Namjoon rarely worried about his own. He knew he looked like a dork. How else could he maintain the image of being weak? But while it didn’t make a lot of sense he knew it would bother Seokjin, who rarely had anyone saying negative things about his looks.

“Since you don’t like class anyway maybe you should just skip it then. It’s not like you believe in rules or anything so why not? But if you do have to stay I think it would be best if you sat at the back so that I can enjoy this class. If you’re afraid of Min Yoongi I can ask him to not bother you unless you bother him…but let’s face it that would be very difficult for you wouldn’t it?”

Namjoon played with a thread in his pocket to keep him from being nervous and distract him from this encounter, but his face did not betray his feelings. He was quite good at acting at this point, although it did tire him out how often he had to do it. Namjoon’s least favorite thing was being mean, but he really couldn’t afford for Seokjin to get too close to him. He fought so hard to keep the people around himself safe and to keep his own demons at bay. If anyone could cause his long managed control to falter or crumble it would be Kim Seokjin and Namjoon just couldn’t afford that.

 

[underoos]

When it came to confrontation, Hoseok strictly stayed out of the way. As in, ran the other way if he could. Which was ironic, considering he was training to become a hero and confrontation would be a skill he needed to embrace. Superhero Hoseok was a lot better than Hobi at confrontation, at least. Hoseok knew what to do because he was often in the face of trouble), but civilian counterpart Hobi was a bit of a scaredy cat, to be plain and honest. There wasn't a lot of things out there that wouldn't scare the hell out of him. Min Yoongi was on the 'scare the hell out of me' list, though, and Hoseok had barely spared him a glance with the hope that the older boy wouldn't say anything to him as he sat down.

While Namjoon and Seokjin shared some kind of animosity between each other (which he had never understood why or how it happened), he was friends with a few of the members of Namjoon's friend group. Primarily Jimin and Taehyung, both of which had a knack for anything mischievous. So, he never really had any hard feelings for anyone on Namjoon's team, and certainly not for the leader himself. He just found the rivalry strange, and would gladly stay out of the way of Yoongi.

Turns out he wasn't so lucky as his chair was pulled back, causing him to flail with a yelp. His arm extended out to grab the front of his desk and keep himself upright, but the menacing words whispered in his ear had his head turning to look Yoongi on directly.

Aw, man. Why was Seokjin's attitude his fault? It was kind of known around their two groups that the leaders just... had it out for each other. So now he had Yoongi on his tail, letting him know that the consequences of whatever Jin said would probably fall on his shoulders. And it didn't sound pretty at all, he thought as his face paled a bit. "I can't control what Seokjin says," Hoseok stressed, seeming a little panicked himself at the reminder of one of his weaknesses. There was no way that he would actually, like, stab him. No way. "Man, that isn't funny." He continued to gripe, trying not to seem too flustered by the comment.

Apparently Yoongi wasn't looking to be friends out of the group any time soon, if the words were any kind of indicator. His head turned, though, to the pair up front who were talking. Jin hadn't been in a good mood from the beginning of the morning, so he could only hope (and pray) that the two of them wouldn't cause any trouble that would make Yoongi act on his promise. He was kind of considering to switch spots with Seokjin, but that might be worse if he got sat in front of Yoongi. With a low groan, he turned to look at Yoongi again with a nervous smile. Why couldn't anything just be nice and normal?

As Namjoon made the jab at Seokjin's appearance, he couldn't help but scowl and duck his head. It was only an insult meant to rile him up; he knew how he looked, and it was pretty damn good like always, but the jab made him bristle anyways. Others might have wondered why he was so obsessive with his appearance; it was thought that he was narcissistic with how he claimed his good looks and winked at others walking down the hall just because. Jin just... cared about looking good because people were more likely to like him. He always shut down the questions aimed his way about why he was the way he was with his appearance. He just... was, and he wasn't going to explain himself to anyone about it. His fingers twitched, almost wanting to brush his fingers through his hair again to let it lie flat against his head in the least. But he refused to give in to the comment that had been made, huffing instead.

"Wow," he drawled, "You really got me with that comeback. And here I thought everything that came out of your mouth was primarily geek talk. I'll admit, that comeback wasn't half-bad." The usual playful smirk that he would use, one that showed he wasn't taking Namjoon seriously, wasn't present on his face. Instead his mouth fell in a flat line, seeming almost annoyed with the younger boy. "Excited to learn at any time... seriously?" he griped under his breath, closing his eyes for a brief moment with a sigh.

Honestly, Namjoon's determination (and intelligence) were highly respectable. If Seokjin were being honest with himself he would have complimented him on it, but he was so far in denial that he chose to not consider these things out loud. He'd always complained about the guy's knack for doing everything by the book, perfect, never straying from what it should be. Nothing was that easy, and Jin always went off the rails just because doing things his way was so much easier. But behind all of that goody goody bullshit was someone who seemed genuinely dedicated to becoming a hero, which was what bothered Seokjin so much.

It frustrated Jin that he had so much potential, a personality worthy of a hero, but chose not to use his power at the school. Or, chose not to strengthen it, if that was the problem present. Because surely anyone with a strong power would have been proud of it enough to not hide it. He was hiding his power, surely because he was embarrassed by it. He could be improving and getting better.

If he had been just a little more outgoing with what he could do, then maybe Seokjin wouldn't have been so condescending when they first met. Now that he thought about it, he wasn't even sure why he had started picking little arguments with Namjoon. Jin was always friendly, always relatively good to get along with, but something about Namjoon had made him feel insecure. He couldn't place his finger on it, still couldn't to this day, but instead of controlling his emotions, bickering with him was the next best thing, he supposed.

"I may not follow the rules a lot of the time, but I'm not an anarchist. If I were, you'd catch me out there being a villain rather than training to save the world some day. I just... do what I think is best, rules be damned. Classes may be set at the most unbelievable times of the morning, but I'm still here. Unfortunately. And next to the school's biggest nerd. So... sorry Joonie boy, you're not escaping me yet." He sighed, leaning back in his seat with his arms crossed tightly over his chest. He side eyed Namjoon as he spoke about Yoongi, a larger scowl coming to rest on his face.

"Just because you tamed the beast called Min Yoongi doesn't mean anyone else has. I'm not sitting by him, whether you tell him to be a good dog or not," he said, the words harsh out of his mouth when Namjoon implied the two of them had problems with each other. It wasn't a lie. Yoongi had just... hated him ever since they met their first year, so Seokjin had done well to stay out of his way. It still was harrowing to know that the guy liked him even less because of the rivalry that had started between him and Namjoon. Ugh, was it really too late to pick another seat? If he had to stay next to him in the irritated mood he was, he might snap a pencil. If he had one, now that he remembered his bag was empty with just a few pieces of paper at the bottom.

God, everything really wasn't going well that morning.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Let's make a truce, at least for this class," he said sharply. "You keep the annoying answers to every question the teacher asks a minimum and I won't bother you about your nerdy tendencies. Deal?" He couldn't keep up this bickering before he really did lose his short patience that day. He prayed for some reprieve from Kim Namjoon and Min Yoongi, but fate always seemed to screw him over. He could only hope that this time, it wouldn't do so and just leave him alone, for gods sake.

 

[Arabella Cauwell]

Min Yoongi enjoyed the fear he could see and sense from Hoseok. In that moment, despite being threatening he also looked a lot like a cat playing with a mouse. Unfortunately, at least in his own mind stabbing him would be a bit much, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t do other things if Seokjin annoyed him and he didn’t want to get up. It wasn’t exactly hard to freak out Hoseok anyway. He listened with a little hum, that probably sounded more like a purr when Jhope tried to talk back to him, out of obvious panic of course, but Suga enjoyed it, akin to a spider watching a bug get itself further and further trapped in a web.

“No you can’t that’s his department isn’t it?” Suga pressed, “and yet you choose to hang out with him. Didn’t anyone ever tell you to be careful of who you associate yourself with? It could change your quality of life don’t you know.”

Yoongi leaned forward a bit more and blew a quick breath at the back of the other boy’s neck before continuing,

“I wonder how you can be friends with someone like him…unless that’s what you’re into,” Suga mused, “is that it Hoseok? Do you like being a puppet for Seokjin? I guess with your power you’d make a pretty good marionette.”

Suga could feel his protective and somewhat darker side pushed forward as he said such unnecessarily cruel words to Jhope. Namjoon had helped him get so much better than his old self, but sometimes, particularly when Namjoon wasn’t around to tell him enough was enough he would push the boundaries. He just couldn’t understand what kind of person would allow themselves to be controlled, or put themselves into a position to get controlled on a constant basis. The thought sickened him. Seokjin had the power to humiliate people and force them to do what he wanted, of course as he was in training it was only to a point, but still such a power was disgusting if you asked Yoongi.

For a minute Yoongi was disgusted by his own behavior. He suddenly wished he had dragged Namjoon with him to the back of the room. Namjoon would have told him when he was going to far and could have dispelled the tension. Yoongi only knew how to start it. In order to calm down he ran his hand threw his hair before commenting on Hoseok’s last statement about his threat not being funny,

“It really wouldn’t be.” Suga agreed seriously contemplating what would happen if he did it.

Which is when he sincerely hoped that Seokjin wouldn’t start anything,

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” He said half absentmindedly, which may have made it more scary, even to himself.

Suddenly Suga couldn’t wait until next period where they had a class with the Maknaes. He could get at least one of them to sit in the back with him and reassure others that he would not likely harm them. Jimin was particularly good at that although if they were split Taehyung would probably be the one who would prefer to sit towards the back…at least he thought so. He’d have to see if it ever came up and he’d definitely have to have a chat with Namjoon about his front row obsession.

Seokjin’s words and actions spoke of two different things and Namjoon was once again frustrated with himself as he thought of the slight twitch of his fingers and the huff as being cute. If Namjoon’s face had followed his thoughts then he’d have been in trouble so many times. When Seokjin kind of admitted that his comeback wasn’t bad Namjoon wanted to beg him to be meaner. It was hard for Namjoon to be mean to someone, particularly Seokjin.

Seokjin honestly seemed like a nice guy, despite his horrifying power. He didn’t abuse it like he could and Namjoon respected that, but Namjoon was something of a scholar. He knew that historically speaking, people with power often became corrupted. He couldn’t even trust himself not to one day lose control, which is why he fought so hard for it, how could he trust someone else not to do it.

Namjoon wanted to say nice things to the other boy. In fact, despite the pretense he put to Seokjin’s face, he never talked negatively about the boy behind his back. Sometimes he even said nice things, although he dared not say it when it could be traced back to him. He really didn’t want to get caught and have to explain himself then. Speaking of which he was going to have to talk back to Seokjin before he lost the timing,

“If by geek talk you mean intelligence and reasoning then guilty as charged,” Namjoon said and then with all seriousness added, “Yes, anytime, becoming a hero and saving people is my dream. If anyone skilled is willing to teach me anything at anytime then I should be grateful for that opportunity. You never know what lesson you learn you’ll need in life or when. I can’t even imagine the guilt I’d feel if I missed a lesson for some selfish reason and that was the one lesson I needed in order to save a life.”

Namjoon had let his passion for the field take over and had to reign himself in at that. He wasn’t trying to condemn people or make them feel bad for missing a class or not being morning people, he just truly couldn’t imagine missing out on important knowledge that he was blessed to be able to receive, and despite having well off parents he didn’t want to just sit back receiving money for nothing. He wanted to give back and to prove that despite his despicable power he could use it for good, not let it turn him evil.

Despite acting like he was barely listening, Namjoon listened to all of Seokjin’s words. The first few sentences flowing into his ears like silk. He loved hearing people’s passions, especially about being heroes. He didn’t agree with letting the rules be damned though. Namjoon had always listened and followed the rules. After all weren’t villains ultimately rule breakers who thought that rules didn’t apply to them? Besides Namjoon had an even more important reason not to break rules and he was grateful for them, because without listening to rules he could have been a killer at the age of three.

Namjoon’s destructive power manifested itself before he could even understand them or their consequences. The earliest memory that he had of them was that at one point he was holding one of his favorite stuffed animals and the next thing he knew it had hand sized holes all the way through it. He remembered crying and bringing it to his mother so that she could make it better. She immediately took him to get tested. He remembered wanting to hug her, but fearing that what happened to his toy would happen to his mom. His dad confirmed this when he told his mother not to touch him and for him to not touch anyone until they could ‘figure things out.’ His mom had understood why, but had a very hard time not touching him, had Namjoon rebelled then she wouldn’t have been able to resist, and he wouldn’t still have a mom on earth.

Soon the doctor and scientists figured out the basis of his powers. Until he could control it, thankfully when it had first begun it was mostly focused on his hands and arms. He’d had to use specialized long gloves for years after that until he learned how to control it when he touched objects and then people as well as being able to spread the power throughout his body to help with stability, control, and when he actually needed to use it. Thankfully his parents had been able to afford the device and tutors to help him, and thankfully Namjoon was a good kid who listened and learned quickly. He still sometimes panicked when he accidentally bumped into someone or someone touched him too quickly, but as long as his mood was stable he could touch people here and there.

But he couldn’t imagine how damaged he’d be if he had not listened and accepted his dad’s command to keep the gloves on no matter what happened until he had control. He didn’t even know what control was and had no idea why, but he’d still listened, and it had likely saved someones life and his own sanity. Unlike Suga he felt that he’d needed to be controlled by his parents until he could control himself. That was why he wasn’t one to question the rules.

Namjoon wanted to protest. He wanted to say that he knew how hard it must be to have a power with such great responsibility. One where even if people admired you might not try to become true friends for fear of what could happen to them. But of course he couldn’t. He had to lie to protect others from himself. So instead he pushed himself to ignore the butterflies in his stomach at being called Joonie and the pleasant shiver he got when the other boy said he’d not escaped him yet. If Seokjin kept this up he was going to have to spash himself with his own water bottle.

“You not becoming a villain is definitely something I can be thankful for. See the ’unbelievably early’ classes are working already.” Namjoon said allowing some positivity to sneak out as a distraction.

Thankfully Seokjin moved into more helpful territory for someone who had to maintain anger at someone they thought was attractive, his friends, at least one of them. Namjoon didn’t feel that he had tamed Yoongi as much as helped the other boy realize that he wasn’t the monster that everyone made him out to be. If anything Suga probably had more emotions than most boys around, but he hated those feelings which caused him to lash out. At least there was something he could work with in order to snap back at Seokjin,

“Min Yoongi is not a beast nor a dog, he’s my friend. How would you like it if I called Hoeseok your puppy or puppet? See it’s not so nice. No one tames Yoongi, he just responds better to people who try to understand him,” Namjoon scolded, looking back to see that his friend was agitated, but he couldn’t tell why. He did question why Hoseok looked like he was a few inches to practically being in Suga’s lap if the chair hadn’t been there, “everyone has reasons for the way they behave, it’s just basic psychology. I’m glad that Suga is growing as a person and trying to become better and better each day.”

Actually now that he thought about it, Suga probably wouldn’t have liked being talked about, even if it included being defended. Namjoon didn’t like people viewing Yoongi as evil or a beast or a villain, but Suga didn’t mind if outsiders thought that way, and sometimes seemed to prefer it as long as his inner group knew better. Namjoon didn’t get it, but Suga seemed to view most emotions as weakness, while Namjoon knew that for those who could let their emotions out, that was true strength. Not that he could of course, as losing his emotions could result in major damage to people and property for that matter.

Namjoon blinked at Seokjin’s offer and considered. It sounded good. He wouldn’t have to pretend to be pissed at everything the other boy said, and quite honestly considering their first class was Super Fashion he was pretty sure he could avoid answering all of the teacher’s questions. Many would probably be opinion based anyway. He tilted his head to the side considering the proposal and then timidly put his hand out to Seokjin,

“I’ll try my best.”

He was a bit nervous to possibly shake the other boys hand, afraid he may accidentally hold it too long or get too emotional and possibly hurt the other boy, but in deals handshakes were necessary, so it was worth a shot. He’d get a few seconds of butterflies and then not have to worry the rest of class. His fingers tingled as he forced his body to relax, demanding that any power rising to the surface go back down as he waited.

A few minutes later there was a loud snap as the front classroom door banged open and in walked Mr. Kim Kibum, already looking annoyed before he even began class. Without waiting for silence he practically commanded it, startling some students when he threw down the books and magazines he was holding on to the teacher’s desk, before rubbing his temples and snapping for the room to shut up.

Mr. Kim Kibum, or due to the high numbers of students and faculty with the Kim last name Mr. Key, was not a very patient man, he also didn’t give a damn about certain rules. Of course his powers probably had something to do with why he sometimes didn’t give a damn about what he said or how he said it. Mind-reading could be as much of a curse as a blessing,

“Ugh I still can’t believe I agreed to a job where I’m surrounded by hormonal teenagers,” he said, clearly to himself although he didn’t seem to care how loudly he was speaking, although he got louder to snap at the class, “stop thinking so loudly!

He closed his eyes and calmed himself which helped to block out at least most of the teenager’s thoughts, but someone in the front row was thinking way too much and someone towards the back seemed to be way to nervous to ignore.

“Hey you, calm down.” Mr. Key said sending a glare at Jung Ho-seok, before turning his attention to one Kim Namjoon,

“And you stop thinking so much you’re making me dizzy.”

He eyed the rest of the classroom deciding to make a general announcement,

“For those of you that make my headache worse I swear I’ll recite every word your thinking to the whole class, even if it can be held accountable in a court of law.” He said glancing at Yoongi.

Namjoon’s eyes widened as he tried to think less, but that was going to be hard for him.

“Normally I’m better about controlling my powers, but everyone has one of those days and I’m having one of them,” he looked down to see Seokjin in front of him also looking a little more disheveled then he usually saw him, “and judging from your hair you are too.”

He let out a sigh as he turned towards the board, writing his name, before turning back,

“For those of you that have never taken my classes before my name is Mr. Kim Kibum, but I’m called Mr. Key because the principle keeps letting Kim’s into the school. As some of you may know I’m from the SHINee Hero group. This class is called Super Fashion, in it we will be discussing various super hero fashion topics such as disguises, proper uses of various clothing, the do’s and don’ts of Superhero suit choices. The first half of the year will be dedicated to mostly disguise work and preparation for your suit’s design focusing on super suits that have worked and those that haven’t. For your midterm we will unleash you to the school and see how many people recognize you or don’t. The last half of the year will be the creation of your suits. You will work in teams for that one and present your works, the best of which will end up in a fashion show for the school and be added to your resume.”

Mr. Key paused to see if there were any questions on that before continuing,

“Because I’m not retired this class will have two main teachers and occasionally guest lecturers, as will some or many of your other classes I expect. Your other main teacher can and will introduce himself, but so that your curiosity doesn’t drive me crazy for the rest of the period I will at least tell you that the other teacher is Mr. Kwon Ji-yong from Big Bang, better known by his hero name G-Dragon. He is an expert in disguises as I am in fashion and super suit adaptability. Considering my power I cannot tell you how many times a hero or villain has given their suit flaws away to me merely by cursing their own design flaws, so you are in capable hands.”

Mr. Key looked around at the class appraising it,

“I’m going to do my best not to judge your general fashion style,” he particularly looked at Namjoon there causing the boy to avoid eye contact even as he was writing notes, “but when it comes to disguises you have to look and act whatever part you are trying to play. Sometimes being a hero is being an actor or a detective. Even those with glamour or shape shifting have to commit to the part and sell it.”

Taking a seat Mr. Key kicked his legs on to the desk before continuing. Namjoon soaked up every word, his pen flying like fire, as the teacher continued,

“Sometimes you will have to pretend you are strong when you are feeling weak, other times you will have to pretend you are weak, when actually you are strong. Sometimes a villain just wants to see your reaction,” Key said looking at Hoseok briefly and then another student a few rows forward, he could read minds after all, “it’s about convincing others you are not who you say you are and your clothes help set the scene and your very mindset. If you have to pretend you’re poor, then you can’t be caught with a rolex watch, if you’re feigning riches you don’t wear a t-shirt. If you pay attention and try in this course then you can start convincing others you are a hero and with time you may even convince yourself.”

Key rubbed his temples and cricked his neck before continuing,

“So now let’s start with a little practice. Obviously we can’t do everything all at once, but roleplaying is going to be a big part of this course, so let’s give it a try,” he scanned the room and then his eyes locked on Hoseok, mostly because the other boy was radiating nerves, “Let’s start things off. Jung Hoseok, I’d like you to face the boy who is making you so nervous and tell me something. Does he look strong or weak?”

Suga could tell where this was going and he was starting to feel more pissed off, towards the teacher for now. Mr. Key could obviously hear what he thought about him and showed a smirk. Suga rolled his eyes and looked back at Hoseok glaring. He didn’t want to be part of such a stupid experiment, but the class was not an elective and considering his power the final was practically in the bag so he just had to do his best not to punch a teacher. He was going to have to control himself enough to pass, but for the moment he was content to stare down the boy whose nerves had drawn attention to them in the first place, irregardless of the fact that he was not blameless either.

Key smirked as he already formulated his next victim once he finished with the first set. Perhaps today was not such a bad day after all.

 

[underoos]

The comment, obviously supposed to be hurtful and aimed toward both himself and Seokjin, had Hoseok dumbfounded for a moment. It was full of hatred and a tone of cruelty that made him stumble over his words genuinely, his fingers twitching in his lap as he tried not to jump out of his seat and find a different one right then and there. He couldn't let Yoongi get the best of him all the time, and Seokjin had reminded him of that (even if the older man went out of his own way to ignore the slightly terrifying man anyway). He didn't want to be labeled as a coward, after all, but being in close quarters with him constantly, whether it be for class or around the halls, made it harder to be strong and confident in front of him or stand up for himself. Min Yoongi was always a bit of a strange character anyways; training to become a hero, but with an attitude far off from the regular justice-seeking righteous-empowered heroes that surrounded him at the school. Everyone always thought he was a lost cause. Hobi had never thought that about the man, but with the way he was acting, it was pretty obvious he wasn't exactly 'hero' material according to the stereotypes.

He swallowed thickly, a shudder running down his spine at the breath aimed toward the back of his neck. A marionette? If he weren't so frozen in his seat, Hoseok might have snapped back at anyone who wasn't Yoongi. "I don't think you have the right idea about Jin," Hoseok said, though his voice faltered slightly, still under the pretense that Yoongi really would follow up on his threats. "He's not that bad... a good friend, actually..."

It was true that Seokjin had powers that could easily pull anyone he wanted near him, demanding their attention and friendship. He could be popular, one of the most popular people of the school just by demanding people to flock to him. But that was the thing about him; he refused to use his powers for his own gain, apart from pulling pranks on his friends. He knew when to back off and that was what made Hoseok grateful for having a friend like him. Unless in danger, he knew that Seokjin would never betray him with his powers.

He hadn't from their first day when Hoseok had been faced down with bullies. It would have been easy to tell him to stand up for himself with how he put up no fight. Or it would have been easy to tell him to not allow them to steal from him, to make Hoseok run away instead. But... Seokjin wasn't like that. He didn't 'command' those who he felt didn't deserve it.

They had met on Hoseok's first day, the younger being bright and excited as well as a small bit timid, eager to do whatever he had to fit in.

Being a first year student often meant getting the short end of the stick, as Hoseok was quick to learn on his first day. It was time for his lunch and he had a few bills wadded up in his pocket to pay for his meal. He'd made some friends in his first few classes. He was an outgoing sort of person, after all, so it was no surprise that he was already making friends. He was no different when he was younger either.

Unfortunately, none of his newly found friends were in the same period of lunch as him. Looked like he would have to get some lunch alone, or make some new friends along the way.

Trailing his fingers along the wall as he searched for the hall in which there would be lunch, he hummed quietly to himself until a hand caught his collar.

"Look, another firstie," someone sneered from behind him. "If we keep catching them, we might be able to rack up enough money for a pizza."

A second voice snickered. "You're right. So come on, kid, hand over your lunch money."

Hoseok turned around, still in the grip of the first boy who had spoken. "It's okay, I'll give it to you," he said, not even bothering to fight back. "Let me just get-"

"Seriously? Preying on the first years? That's a low blow, fellas," a completely new voice stated from just behind Hoseok. "Don't let them take your money."

Someone else? Hoseok turned his head to get a glimpse, wanting to argue that it was okay- better that they bullied him than another unsuspecting student. He could handle it. But the tall, attractive student in front of him seemed a mixture of amused and determined to get him out of the situation. He looked toward Hobi, winking subtly, before looking back at the other kids.

"Hey pretty boy," one of them sneered, "don't you have a mirror to be looking in? Leave us alone before we bash your face in."

"No, that's okay. No more mirror gazing could perfect this face any more than it already is," the pretty one said with a sigh, as though he really were serious. "You two, on the other hand, could use with some time in front of one. Especially when you're ugly personalities are shining through. I don't think it's very nice to be taking someone's lunch money. How about you two leave?"

"Yeah? Make us," the one not holding Hobi's collar spat, getting closer to the challenger.

But he only shrugged. "Okay. Leave." There was more force behind the one-worded demand, sharp and somewhat powerful, making Hobi shudder just a bit. The two boys turned around without thinking, almost on auto-pilot, and glared back at him and Hoseok with a string of obscenities leaving their lips among panicked questions of why their legs were moving without their consent.

Pretty boy only sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Aish... bullies like those always give me a headache. I think I need a cold drink... an iced coffee, now that I'm thinking about it." He opened his eyes, amusement in them, though also something of concern. "You should join me."

There was no demand in his tone, though. Just a genuine invitation extended out to Hoseok. He opened his mouth a couple of times, before nodding. "Yeah, uh, okay. Thank you, by the way. My treat, though, since you saved my money. I'm Hoseok, by the way." He extended an arm out for a handshake, but the other boy smiled.

"Nah, put your money away. I'm probably older than you, aren't I? So... my treat." He looked at the hand extended out, nodding as he shook it. "Seokjin, but call me Jin, alright?"

Since then, the two of them had gotten along well. Most people who insulted Jin got a frown and a simple lecture from Hoseok, who had learned to start sticking up for others, and sometimes even himself, because of Seokjin. However, now was not one of those times, even if he really wanted to defend his friend.

_______

Namjoon was probably one of the most optimistic and upside-looking individuals that Seokjin had met, apart from Park Jimin and Hoseok. Because, if he honest to god thought that "Suga" was growing as a person, then he really was seeing something that the rest of the school wasn't. He almost risked an unamused glance backwards, just to check and see if there was the regular glare on his face, but thought better of it. He'd rather not have such a glare trained on his back for the rest of his class. Instead he shrugged. "Whatever you say then," he said, though the agreeable comment wasn't very agreeable at all. And honestly, he'd rather not get in a fight about Yoongi with Yoongi's best friend, right before class started.

The hand that was extended out to him was long and his fingers straight out toward him, awaiting a handshake from Seokjin's own crooked fingers. His fingers curled slightly, almost debating whether to shake on the promise. Maybe he should have ignored the hand, because really, there was no reason for him to swallow thickly as he raised his hand to meet Namjoon's own. Sometimes, weird actions like this would happen, subconsciously, when he thought about Namjoon, or was close to the other boy. His throat got a little tight or his leg would bounce or he would squint at whatever he was staring at with a little more focus than suaul. He never understood it; perhaps he was really angered by him on the deep inside and it was coming to the surface, but these weren't any sort of feelings of hatred at all.

Before their hands clasped together, the snapped open and his hand fell to his lap. His gaze shifted away immediately, almost looking embarrassed.

But, thankfully, their right on time professor had saved both Hoseok and Seokjin from their own thoughts.

Hoseok squeaked, just a bit, as he was commanded to calm down with a glare in his direction. Okay, calm down. He could do that... if Min Yoongi wasn't breathing down his neck, quite literally.

And Seokjin's eyes trailed over to Namjoon with a bit of amusement, already telling that the command for him wasn't so easy either. With all the intelligence in that big brain of his, he must have been struggling to understand how to not think so much. He settled back in his seat, though not without a bit of a pout at being called out so easily from Mr. Key, as he so introduced himself. Namjoon was scratching away at the paper right next to him and Seokjin, who probably should have been taking pointers, didn't due to his lack of being ready for the classroom. He listened about as intently as he could, narrowing his eyes as he thought about the info provided.

At the mention of his friend, though, he stiffened a bit, turning immediately in his chair to look at poor, poor Hoseok.

Hoseok, who was on the spot, looking nervously around. "Him?" he asked, glancing at Yoongi, though the question was quite obvious. Ah... poor Hobi, Seokjin thought with a small sigh, knowing that he shouldn't have left the younger man to sit back there. But, the elastic-powered boy went on, though he seemed nervous. Whichever way he answered Yoongi probably wasn't going to like it, but with Mr. Key's gaze strongly upon the both of them, there was no 'neither' option to consider. "Strong...?" The word came out more of a question, knowing that Yoongi was staring him down as well. Oh, how he wished he had Taehyung's ability to just disappear, teleport himself away from the increasingly nervewracking and embarrassing situation all in one.

 

[Arabella Cauwell]

Yoongi was actually a little impressed with Hoseok for defending his friend even though he was clearly terrified. A good portion of the school, heroes or not wouldn’t have, and Hoseok was someone easily scared by many things. In fact, had Hoseok not been a friend of Seokjin’s Yoongi probably wouldn’t have troubled him. He wasn’t sure if they’d have been friends persay, but he certainly wouldn’t be taking out his frustrations on him at the moment at the very least.

But impressed or not Yoongi wasn’t going to back track now. He really hated Seokjin’s power and the best thing to do when you didn’t like a power was to stay away from it. It was easy to make sure that you didn’t look like a coward when it was the other one who ran away.

Yoongi’s reaction to fear was not like most. More often than not people choose flight over fight when they were scared, but Suga had never been energetic enough for that, nor did he believe he could live with himself if he ran from fear, so he preferred to fight it. Namjoon was probably the only other one he could think of that had an even more rare reaction, which was to endure it.

But when it came to messing with Seokjin there was a fine line. He had to scare him enough to make sure the boy avoided him, despite the rivalry between Namjoon and himself, but he couldn’t do anything so over the top that the other boy snapped and tried to use his power. Suga was pretty sure that if Seokjin tried to control him, particularly if he managed to actually do it against Suga’s own free will he would snap, but it was hard to avoid the situation when Namjoon and Seokjin kept up their rivalry.

Yoongi wished that Namjoon would just ignore the other boy, and sometimes he did, but it seemed like those two were drawn together like magnets. Destructive magnets if you asked Suga, but magnets nonetheless. Things would be so much easier for Suga and Hoseok if Namjoon and Seokjin just didn’t speak to each other, just ignored. Suga wouldn’t feel defensive and Hoseok wouldn’t be getting threatened. It was as simple as that. But like a Bee to a flower neither side seemed to be able to help it, and the Maknaes of the two groups didn’t help at all. It was rather frustrating.

“Oh don’t I? Tell me then, if Seokjin is so great why is it that he’s always trying to pick on someone who doesn’t even use his powers? What does Namjoon do that is so bad that Seokjin feels he needs to mess with him?”

Picking on him may have been too harsh of a word. Yoongi knew that Seokjin didn’t all out bully him, but he did say bad things to him, which Suga couldn’t understand because to him Namjoon was literally one of the nicest people in the school. But he was witty and so Namjoon did have come backs, but he hated doing them, which was frustrating to have to hear about. Namjoon definitely tried not to start anything because it actually seemed to hurt him to do so, although Suga couldn’t go around blabbing that to Hoseok of course.

“A good friend wouldn’t have let you sit back here with me if you ask me.” Suga said almost conversationally and then because of the fear and anger he thought of when he imagined Seokjin and his disgusting power he added darkly, “although if he’d dared come back here I’d be worse to him.”

He couldn’t afford that power getting near him. It would destroy him worse than anything Namjoon’s power could.

_______

Namjoon beamed at the agreement, before making his face fall a little worried. He ignored the ‘Whatever you say’ as far as answering, but he took Seokjin’s statement as fact and truth. The other boy hadn’t fought the statement, so he must have agreed at least just a little bit. Or so Namjoon believed as he truly was oddly optimistic considering his life circumstances.

Namjoon watched Seokjin consider and while he had his own nerves about how the shake would go he still kept his hand out for some minutes, his heart beating quickly in his chest and his nerves causing him to think a mile a minute about how to respond based on various feelings the hand brought up. Seokjin’s hand started towards him, but then the other boy seemed to have gotten nervous when the teacher walked in, putting his hands in his lap instead. As much of a relief as it was not having to figure out the proper time to retract his hand, Namjoon was now confused as to whether they had an agreement or not anymore.

Had Seokjin only been teasing about a truce? Or did he have second thoughts? Did he think Namjoon’s hand looked dirty? Feeling self conscious Namjoon rubbed his hands on his shirt just in case, they didn’t look bad to him, but they always made him a little nervous in general due to his fear. Could Seokjin sense something was off about them? Namjoon wasn’t sure, but it was probably best he didn’t question it, lest he give himself away.

When the teacher told him to stop thinking so much it probably had the opposite effect. Namjoon’s mind whirled and he began to try to not think, but that lead him into thinking about not thinking, and panicking about trying not to think and about the thread of his thoughts being read aloud which caused him to become nervous, which lead to more thinking. After a few minutes of this though he decided to focus on writing notes. If he wrote notes he’d have to focus on writing notes, which would cut down on thinking to a degree or at least only mirror the thoughts the teacher had shared out loud. Soon his pen was going a mile a minute. So much so that he almost missed the question to Hoseok. Thankfully he did not and he was glad he wasn’t picked first as he wanted to see a demonstration of the task first as well as the teacher’s response to see what he was looking for. But considering he had to act all of the time, that portion of the class didn’t seem likely to be his problem.

Turning a little later than the rest of the class Namjoon was surprised to see that Mr. Key alluded to the fact that Hoseok was getting nervous because of Yoongi. Namjoon bit his lip at that, he had seen Hoseok rather close to Yoongi, but had honestly been too wrapped up in his own thoughts to process that. Had something happened in the back of the room while he was preoccupied? Namjoon was positive that Yoongi hadn’t physically harmed the other boy at least, but he couldn’t be sure about other things. But listening to the question Namjoon could already feel alarms going off in his head.

~~~

Yoongi for his part knew where Mr. Key was going with this and also knew that there was no way that Hoseok could have answered that he would have liked. In fact, being called weak would have been worse really, if he thought about it, because all though he could have continued to act strong, the professor and other kids wouldn’t buy it and Mr. Kim would probably come up with something even worse than the embarrassment that was to come to ‘make up for it.’ Not to mention Hoseok would have probably been in trouble for lying. Mr. Key could see right through him after all. But Suga was not going to enjoy this.

Mr. Key smirked, quite happy with getting a little revenge for Hoseok, while not exactly being the most helpful. He for one knew that Yoongi had a lot of different facets and was often not being honest with himself. A good portion of the class and school had this version in there heads of what the boy was like. Today, Kim Kibum had every intention of showing them another side to the boy, a softer side, even if it was at the boy’s expense and would totally entertain the teacher.

“Yes Hoseok, him, Min Yoongi,” he pressed before waiting to see if the boy would be honest or not, when he was, although nervously he’d finally said strong, although it came out more like a question, “strong. Good, although you were nervous you still told the truth. Yoongi looks very strong, but playing weak would be easy for him too. He’d probably just go for a weak as in a tired look since he likes to sleep. I want to challenge my students and I have a good idea of what he’d do if he had to play as weak…but there is something he can try that would let his enemy’s guard down and might help them think he’s weak.” Mr. Key said before turning around and writing three words on the board.

Namjoon’s, as well as many, eyes widened at the words, gaping, before turning back to see what Yoongi would do about it. Yoongi looked over and then glared daggers at the teacher as the word mocked him in bold letters on the board.

‘Cute. Adorable. Soft.’

Yoongi was disgusted. He had never liked being called cute and to subject himself to making it happen mortified him. But although the teacher could read his mind he refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing a physical reaction at least. Suga contemplated getting up and walking out on the class, despite needing to take it. It wasn’t an elective since a Supersuit was something you needed for a long time, but this particular lesson wasn’t going to make or break a grade. But there was also a part of him that didn’t want the teacher to visually see that it affected him. He also didn’t want the rest of the class to view him as a punk who was scared of the assignment the teachers gave him.

He looked over at Namjoon contemplating using his eyes to ask for help, but he couldn’t drag the poor other boy into this. Namjoon would help, but if there were consequences to it, like standing outside of the classroom instead of in it he’d be upset. And that was when he knew there was no getting out of it. He might have to punch every guy in there just to make them forget what they were about to witness, but they were still going to see it. He just hoped he could still inspire fear after this class. Especially to Seokjin and Hoseok by association.

Even though the thought of this made him sick, Suga took assignments very seriously. He put his all into everything he did, including acting. He didn’t half ass things and although it was hard for him he wasn’t going to half ass this either. If his teacher wanted a show he’d give it to him and all of them who dared to look.

Yoongi closed his eyes imagining the Maknaes in his group. When he thought of adorable they were the poster children for it. Namjoon had some pretty adorable moments too now that he thought of it. He couldn’t mimic Jimin’s adorable smile, he didn’t have Namjoon’s dimple, and he couldn’t match the innocent look that Taehyung sometimes got. But thinking about them could bring a smile to his face at least and help release some of his anger. It took a minute or two but then he thought of something.

He relaxed his face and tried to get it to look angelic looking, rather than the opposite. He thought of some of his friend’s cute moments and let out a look that it was so unlike him that it caused a student at the opposite side of the room to gasp.

Mr. Key grinned, but wasn’t letting it go there.

“That’s good, but we’re going to need more. Imagine that your friends lives depend upon your enemy finding you adorable. Is that all you got?”

Suga didn’t want to imagine such a thing, especially if it meant that his friends would have gotten hurt. His smile faltered a bit before he decided that in that moment he wouldn’t have cared what he looked like as long as the others were safe. He may lose some of his reputation, but he couldn’t afford to lose his friends. He sighed before going all out, most of which was aimed at Hoseok, since he thought that was what the teacher wanted.

It was so humiliating that Suga wanted to invent a memory eraser quickly, he could only hope that his reputation could withstand this stupid role play of his teachers invention and this class it seemed if day one was any indication.

Mr. Key clapped his hands together,

“Perfect! That was cute, adorable, and soft, which looks good on you by the way. Definitely matches your baby cheeks better than all that scowling.”

Since his part was over Suga’s face dropped back to glaring at his teacher who sighed,

“Oh well it was cute while it lasted, another time perhaps.”

Suga rolled his eyes and then looked over to Namjoon to commiserate, only to find Namjoon beaming and giving his friend a thumbs up, mouthing ‘You did so well!’ and causing Yoongi to blink. Was his friend crazy, he had just humiliated himself in front of the whole class and given his enemies ammo and Namjoon was looking like a proud parent when their kid gets an award. He let out a sigh before looking over at Hoseok to see his reaction and whether Suga had to do something about it.

“Now Yoongi what about Hoseok, does he look strong or weak?” Mr. Key pressed.

“Weak.” Yoongi said without hesitation. Personally he thought everyone had strengths and weaknesses, but that fear that Hoseok has was undeniable and something he needed to work on obviously.

Mr. Key nodded,

“Hoseok pretend that Yoongi is a villain who is threatening you and try your best to look strong, or at least not scared. Since he went first it may help to imagine his cute look if you need to.”

Yoongi glared at Mr. Key for bringing it up, before moving his glare to Hoseok daring him to try.

~~
When Yoongi had closed his eyes Namjoon had tensed. He knew this activity would be hard for Suga, who always created such a hard shell around himself so that he didn’t get hurt. Namjoon knew that Suga was actually a bit of a softy, like a turtle who uses a shell to protect itself from danger. He was tough and powerful to be sure, but was also quite emotional. Being told to act cute or soft would be something of his biggest nightmare. Suga looked nauseous when he was first told, but then he’d managed somehow to get past his fears and give a very angelic looking smile, that was infectious, at least to Namjoon, but nothing compared to how cute he looked once the teacher hadn’t accepted his smile alone.

Namjoon wished he had a camera. He knew Suga would hate it, but the kids, as he and Suga often called their Maknae line were missing out. Suga was sometimes soft with the Maknaes, but this much was pushing it. Whatever had happened with Hoseok, this must have made up for it. People wouldn’t believe it if they hadn’t seen it and some may even doubt that. Namjoon looked over at Seokjin with the pride of a parent practically radiating ‘I told you’ vibes after that. If Suga was heartless he’d never have been able to think that up. Namjoon was so proud of him for letting down those barriers, even briefly, for not fighting the teacher, and for doing such an amazing job. He practically wanted to clap and lipped his pride to Yoongi, who was dealing with the after effects and looking, to Namjoon, particularly vulnerable.

“See?” Namjoon said aloud to Seokjin, “had this been a year or so ago he’d have punched Mr. Key and Hoseok for even saying so, but look how well he’s done!”

He felt like a proud father and his mind wheeled with the growth of his friend and the possibilities of how the class might now doubt the persona that Suga had created for himself to really want to meet the real him. It was all so exciting!

Unfortunately this upsurge or excitement got the attention of the teacher, who was having a more sensitive day than usual,

“Namjoon, as kind as your thoughts are there are way too many of them! If you can’t stop thinking so much, can you at least attempt to block some of your thoughts?” Mr. Key said frustrated that his fun was interrupted by a nonstop thinking braniac that just had to be taught by him, but since he was at it he might as well get some revenge on his too, “but since you seem to enjoy getting my attention so much maybe you and Seokjin would like to volunteer next. What do you think Seokjin is between strong and weak?”

Namjoon blinked at the teacher. He really wasn’t trying to annoy Mr. Key, but it was difficult to not think. Namjoon thought all of the time, constantly. He wasn’t open as far as he didn’t speak everything he thought or even one tenth of it really, but rather he internalized, so he could see why Mr. Key would be going crazy with him on a bad day, but there was not much he could do to help that at the moment. Clearly he was not going to be Mr. Key’s favorite student, at least at the moment, he could only hope he didn’t annoy the other man so much it affected his grade and he was sorry to hear that he might give the teacher a headache without meaning to.

When he was asked about Seokjin his pulse rate sped up. Of course he knew the real answer and Mr. Key could read him, and it wasn’t hard to say so since Seokjin didn’t seem the type to mind acting cute like Yoongi did, but Namjoon had a feeling it would be hard on him in other ways,

“He’s strong.” Namjoon said with confidence although his voice was the same smooth quiet tones as usual as Mr. Key turned to Seokjin and nodded,

“In that case, Seokjin, look at Namjoon. Pretend he’s a villain and make him believe you are weak.”

Then he added,

“Once you are done tell me what Namjoon looks like, is he weak or strong looking to you?”

Mr. Key and the rest of the class looked in Seokjin’s direction at that, but Namjoon had to swallow, because he wasn’t sure just how well his heart would handle a weak looking Seokjin.

 

[underoos]

When Mr. Key had asked Hoseok what he thought of Yoongi, whether he was a strong or weak person, he wasn't sure what he was expecting out of it. Honestly, the school had a lot of surprises up its sleeve when it came to professors teaching them valuable lessons, because what exactly would one expect when trying to become a hero? Man... here he'd thought this would be an easy class to lay low under the radar. First class of the semester and he was already stepping up to the plate with both Min Yoongi and his teacher. Couldn't anything ever go his way? He was quiet as he started speaking about Yoongi playing weak for once. For the hard look that was nearly always on the elder boy's face, he wasn't sure that playing weak was anywhere in his vocabulary.

His eyes widened, seeming almost shocked at the words that Mr. Key had written down on the board. No way... Cute? Adorable? Yoongi?! If Yoongi turned soft and adorable, right after threatening him, then he was pretty sure the world had gone insane. He tried not to look directly at him, knowing that he was probably going to snap or storm out of the room. Hoseok really, really, really didn't want to be collateral when that happened.

Yet, there was no angry outburst. No tables were knocked over, no students scrambling for cover, and his body remained thoroughly intact- no stab wounds to report. There were some gasps from throughout the room, including a muttered "no way" from Seokjin that he managed to overhear. Head snapping to the side, curious as to what had caused such an intriguing reaction from his peers, he had to blink a few times to realize what he was seeing.

Yoongi with a smile, his fingers pressed together to form a cute heart shape. One that Hoseok himself often made while grinning at his friends, just to show some love to them. It was a classic cute move, but apparently Mr. Key wasn't pleased with just a smile from him. A smile was a miracle enough. Wasn't it asking a lot for any more cuteness from the walking version of anger himself?

But no, it seemed that there was another trick pulled out of the hat as Yoongi went full-fledged cute and adorable. Hearts, hearts, hearts-- and quite a few aimed Hoseok's way.

Honestly, he wasn't sure whether to be shocked, terrified, or amused and think it was adorable like it was because Yoongi never went without a scowl or condescending smirk on his face. This was a sharp contrast indeed to his regular personality. And it was kind of amazing, honestly. Who would have known he would ever do something like that? It was clear by the shocked look on everyone else's face in the class that they were caught up by it, too. "Wow," he mumbled, though more to himself.

But it didn't end there, it seemed, as the tables turned. Now it was his turn, since Mr. Key had asked Yoongi the same question of him. It was only natural for someone to think he was weak. He was jumpy and a scaredy-cat, even if his personality was bright and happy 99% of the time. Biting the inside of his cheek, he knew what was coming; it was his turn to be the actor that time. How was he to prove anyone that he was strong?

He met Seokjin's eyes briefly, who only winked at him.

Maybe taking a page out of the far too confident boy's book would do something to help him.

Channeling a little bit of his own inner Seokjin, or at least channeling a bit of the confidence that he had learned from him, seemed to help. A hard look crossed over his expression, a complete 180 from his sunshine smile, and he looked at Yoongi with narrowed eyes. His lips parted, as though he were going to say something to him, before he suddenly dropped the facade. He cleared his throat, quickly looking away toward the front of the class. Okay. Good enough. (Hopefully Yoongi wasn't going to come after him later still, even though it was kind of classic to see him acting the way he was. Oh god.)

________

Of all the things Seokjin ever expected as a superhero, or at least one in training, Yoongi acting adorable was at the very bottom of the list. Like, very bottom. No way. Hell would freeze over first. Just because it was Yoongi; that was his only reasoning. So, like Hoseok and probably most of the others in the class, he wasn't expecting him to actually start sending hearts across the classroom.

Seokjin choked on a disbelieving laugh, mindful of Namjoon sitting next to him (but also very pleased at seeing Yoongi like this after all the glowering looks that had been sent his way all the time). He was really glad he was there to witness the moment.

His eyes shifted over to Namjoon who was praising Yoongi, still adamant to prove his point of Yoongi becoming more civil with some time. Jin couldn't deny that Namjoon had good reason to be proud of Yoongi; some damage could have been done if the hot-tempered personality still lingered as badly as it used to. Alright, so he had a point, just a little. Yoongi had changed, that was undeniable, but he was still hostile toward Seokjin.

As long as it would teach Yoongi to leave Hobi alone, then he would allow Namjoon to have his proud dad moment without trying to burst his bubble. "Mm," he hummed in response, no words being made out past that.

Seemed that Namjoon's proud moment had attracted some attention. Turning back into his seat after being twisted around to watch the situation in the back, he raised an eyebrow when the example turned to them. Ah, so it seemed that Mr. Key was handing out no mercy that day.

He watched Namjoon as he answered, no doubt in his answer that Seokjin was strong. Well... he knew he was, certainly, but it was kind of nice to hear it come from Namjoon himself. Almost like a compliment, but in a twisted way since it was in the middle of class in some kind of weird role-play exercise. But still. A compliment.

"No problem," Seokjin said with a shrug, sitting up in his seat so he wasn't so slumped against it. Turning to look at Namjoon, he paused before he decided to act, taking a moment to really look at the other man. His lips twitched up, amused, before taking up a cutesy shy look.

Shoulders hunched, fingers coming together, and a little smile on his face, he looked at Namjoon as Mr. Key had asked; 0 embarrassment on his face. Acting cute was practically second nature (especially since he did it to be stupid around his friend group, or just because he could). Shy Seokjin wasn't normal Seokjin at all, who was outgoing and charismatic by nature.

Then the act dropped and, after the display earlier, he couldn't help but say, "Sorry, I know, not as good as Yoongi's." He couldn't help himself- the opportunity was right there to make the comment. Probably shouldn't have, but whoops, it was said and done.

With a raised eyebrow, he looked at Namjoon. He thought on his answer for a few moments, seeming to really contemplate it. Namjoon was an incredibly smart individual, that was true. He had a good personality; he was willing to stick up for his friends, as seen with Yoongi. But, there was one problem. His power. How could a hero be strong without an adequate power? "Ah, well... weak," he said after a moment's time.

Once his answer was out in the open, the lingering amusement from his aegyo and slight jab at Yoongi disappeared, worried he might have offended the other boy. Which he couldn't quite understand why he would be worried about it when he thought about it; after all, they weren't exactly friends in the first place, and comments that were meant to demean each other were part of their conversations often.

 

[Arabella Cauwell]

Yoongi was feeling nauseous about how over the top he had been. Sure he needed to do it, but did he have to push it that far. Despite his face being back to normal he could practically feel the tips of his ears red with embarrassment. He felt his glare was less effective than usual and he was so wrapped up in what he’d just done that he didn’t even care that his questions about Seokjin and Hoseok were never answered, it was likely that the events after that were too shocking to backtrack and Yoongi would have to agree.

This class was supposed to be an easy one for him. His natural powers would make suit building easy for him. He hadn’t even really thought about the disguises and even if so he’d assumed he’d be making them not acting them out, but he guessed it made sense.

He could still hear the gasps and some whispers, although thankfully few still seemed willing to say them to his face…at least not yet. But he could have swore he saw a camera from the right side of the room that he was going to have to break before the class was over. Maybe he could just point it out to Namjoon to look at and let Namjoon’s excitement take the device out…but no he couldn’t do that to Namjoon since his friend would hate having done that. But Suga was pretty confident in his own strength.

Upon doing what the teacher had asked of him Hoseok had blinked at him a few times in disbelief. Suga didn’t blame him, it must have been a very odd sight from him indeed. Yoongi hated being small. It had bothered him from childhood and he had to work very hard in order to make himself appear bigger. People naturally thought of shorter people as cuter, but it did tend to bother boys to be thought of as cute…most of the time.

Hoseok showed some surprise and conflicted looks, but all he said aloud was,

“Wow.”

That was enough to make Yoongi feel subconscious, but even he knew that Hoseok could have said so much more to get back at him. Suga was just grateful that the other boy had not taken the bait. Clearly he was kinder than Yoongi and despite the fact that it was unlikely he’d ever admit it, Suga was grateful for that. But the point was that Suga had done what he’d had to. It was over now at least on his end…he hoped as Mr. Key jotted down a grade on his performance, before turning to pay attention to Hoseok.

Suga maintained a glare at the boy for a few seconds, before his face became puzzled. Hoseok was a pretty good actor. He definitely didn’t look how he must have felt by any means considering what Suga knew. There was something to be said of the dichotomy between the normally either cheerful or frightened Hoseok suddenly looking angry, although Suga wasn’t sure if the look could be considered meant to be dangerous or meant to be seductive.

Mr. Key let out a little laugh, patting Suga on the shoulder as he had heard the boy’s inner thoughts and found them amusing, before jotting down a number grade for Hoseok,

“Well that’s one way to deflect the enemy’s attention. I put you up against someone who is hard to intimidate, but your look was pretty good. I do recommend next time you try to get some more anger into your eyes and a little more power to your steps to push it just a little further into the ‘I’ll kill you.’ I am proud of you for looking more confident and more dangerous, but your opponent, while confused, couldn’t tell if you were going for intimidation or seduction.”

Suga’s eyes snapped over at his teacher, willing class to be over. Seriously, did his teacher want him to snap? He could clearly read his mind so he should know where to draw the line, but Mr. Key seemed to actively enjoy pushing Suga’s buttons. This wasn’t a class in self-control so what the hell was that about. Suga hadn’t said whether the seduction was working or not, he’d merely questioned if that was what he was doing or not, but the teacher mentioning it looked suspect.

Yoongi rolled his eyes, not wanting to give Mr. Key the satisfaction of a response. He looked back at Hoseok, walls still not all back up after thinking of the Maknae’s and being soft as he said,

“You did better than expected,” honestly before adding, “at least you didn’t show fear.”

Yoongi was still feeling vulnerable after showing that part of himself. He was feeling a bit gross and wasn’t putting up his previous front. Most people would take advantage of that and it was so hard to create a reputation, yet so easy to destroy one. Plus what was he doing being nice to Hoseok? Hoseok was friends with Seokjin, he couldn’t afford for them to think of him as anything less than a monster. What if they tried to befriend him?

Internally Suga was freaking out. He had no idea how Namjoon could stand this all of the time. Peoples condescending eyes on him. Giggling, poking fun at him, not taking him seriously. Suga could see some people who were pointing in his direction now, a more daring one sending him a heart back from before and he thought he would snap. He’d never understand how or why Namjoon put up with being teased. Suga couldn’t take it.

And so, because he was panicking and his hands itched to do something, and he needed to put a bandaid on his reputation before people went after him and Namjoon as free reign Suga put his hands into his desk and pulled out an empty can that someone had left there. Without looking at the boy across the room that was trying to tease him with his finger hearts he crushed the can in one hand and threw it full force at the other boy, before turning his head to look at him as if to say,

‘Are we done?’

The kid started to whine and even when as far as to call on their teacher, which was unnecessary because of course he knew what had happened his power was reading minds,

“Mr. Key, Min Yoongi just hit me in the head!” the boy said pointing in Suga’s direction to which Suga just nodded in agreement.

“I know and you absolutely deserved it,” Mr. Key said, surprising Suga by taking his side and causing Suga to smirk, at least the teacher was somewhat equal opportunity, “besides real heroes don’t whine and if you can’t take a hit then you’re in the wrong course.”

Suga snickered at that thinking Mr. Key wasn’t that bad after all, before Mr. Key interrupted these thoughts by saying,

“If you’re really that grateful to me Yoongi you could show us some more cuteness.”

‘Nevermind,’ Suga thought, ‘he’s a jerk after all.’

Mr. Key laughed at that, not bothering to clue in the rest of the class, before turning his attention to the front of the room. Although his head still hurt, he had to say some students thoughts were rather funny.
________

Namjoon turned to watch Seokjin’s weak performance although he was worried about it. It wasn’t that he didn’t think Seokjin was capable of playing weak, but he was afraid of what that might do to his own expression. He needed to keep a distance from Seokjin, but he really didn’t want to. He wanted Seokjin to be as cruel as his powers were, or better as cruel as Namjoon’s were. But the other boy just wasn’t and that was hard on Namjoon. Yoongi was probably better at keeping Seokjin away from Namjoon than Namjoon could ever be.

Namjoon watched as Seokjin confidently said it would be no problem and it obviously wasn’t. The god of destruction smiled as such an adorable look was aimed at him. His heart really couldn’t take it. A shy Seokjin? It didn’t seem possible, but it was adorable. For Namjoon the face sold it. Seokjin was amazing at changing his facial expressions and it caused Namjoon’s heart to beat imagining Seokjin making a face like that at him. He wanted to reach out and touch the other boy but he didn’t dare. Instead he did his best to keep a blush from his face.

When Seokjin commented that it wasn’t as good as Yoongi’s Namjoon felt his head shaking back and forth in protest. Yoongi’s was adorable no doubt, and it was a stark contrast to what most people saw of him so it was going to look more impactful to most, but Yoongi’s aegyo had not made his heart beat faster like Seokjin’s. Yoongi had the element of surprise, but Seokjin had such an adorable and beautiful face. He was able to transform himself in seconds and become so cute. How could that not compare?

Of course Yoongi did not feel that was a compliment. Clearly Seokjin was bringing it up to piss him off. He glared daggers at the other boy, and willed the stupid class to be done with already. He felt like he was there for ages and it still wasn’t over. He couldn’t reach Seokjin and he had already thrown the only random can he’d found at someone else, so once again he looked at Hoseok.

Should he snap back at Seokjin verbally or take it out on his friend? It was a tough decision, but in the end he was still slightly grateful to Hoseok for not messing with him when he was vulnerable. Seokjin deserved taking down a peg or to at that. So Suga retorted, voice calm as he said,

“Not as good as Yoongi sounds about right for you.”

Mr. Key jotted down a grade before commenting on Seokjin’s performance,

“Personally speaking I think you did very well. Yoongi’s is going to be more impressive because of the difference between his usual self and the portrayal he went for. That being said you definitely affected your opponent, so as far as effectiveness you’d definitely get an A despite competition.”

Mr. Key’s eyebrow quirked at the hostility coming from Yoongi. Of course Seokjin had poked the bear, but it was amazing how many…concerning thoughts Yoongi had. He hadn’t been the kindest to him, himself, but he did wonder why the boy was so on edge all of the time. It couldn’t be good for him. In order to either make it worse or better Mr. Key added,

“Well if that’s how you feel you guys can have a cuteness contest. I personally would love to film it and show it as an example to other classes.”

Suga’s eyes widened slightly giving away a small bit of his fear, before he schooled his face and reigned it in, shaking his head. He was not about to do more than he had to, even to battle Seokjin. That was a lose-lose situation and his reputation had taken enough of a hit for the day.

----
Meanwhile, Namjoon was distressed by Yoongi’s reaction to Seokjin’s statement. Namjoon didn’t know if Seokjin meant it as an insult or not, but he was willing to give the other boy the benefit of the doubt. Yoongi’s comment, unfortunately left no room for misinterpretation, leaving Namjoon tense. He was glad that Mr. Key was able to diffuse the situation with Suga, but wasn’t sure how Seokjin would react and if that would set Yoongi off again. It was a tough situation for him.

Soon it was time for his own performance. He was not offended that Seokjin had viewed him as weak. In fact, he even smiled a bit at that.

Most people only viewed strength as the physical manifestation or actions showcased externally, Namjoon didn’t feel the same way. He knew how much effort he put into remaining calm. He didn’t think harming someone or using powers boldly for any given reason showed strength. He’d called Seokjin strong for his control, for not using his powers for everything just because he could, for his confidence. He knew most others couldn’t see him. Everyone had strengths and weaknesses and Namjoon’s if they could be counted were internal, hidden where others couldn’t see it. Not using his power made him strong, but visually he looked nerdy and weak. He knew that. As a strategist he also knew that was an advantage way before Mr. Key taught it. Plus he wasn’t about to use his power just because someone else wanted him to. His power was dangerous and his heart wanted to help not harm other people. He didn’t want to become a hero to harm criminals, he wanted to be one to help innocents. His powers were a last resort.

But now he had to show some thing that would look like strength. His teacher was grading this. He could see that it was likely a quiz or test grade judging from the numeric value on the paper in the teacher’s hands. Namjoon had always had a high IQ and a need to please adults. He didn’t even see a problem with being considered ‘a teachers pet.’ Teacher’s pets were those who learned and listened, that was his favorite. What was the point of working against someone who tried to help you? It seemed idiotic to do so in its own way. But showing power when he so often hid it, didn’t care about what others viewed him as just as long as it wasn’t something dark and evil. It was going to be hard for him. Perhaps equally as hard as it was for Suga to show that side of himself.

Namjoon’s fingers began to shake nervously, fearful for his mask to slip, but determined to do what he had to do to become a hero. He let out a breath before shifting his thoughts to help get into a character rather than use his own strength. Then he took off his glasses, careful to put them in his desk so they wouldn’t break before looking up at Seokjin.

If Suga imagined the Maknae’s when he tried to be cute, Namjoon imagined Suga and tried to ignore that it was Seokjin to look the right kind of strong, a part of his own inner strength leaked out, but it wasn’t his darkest look. He would be too nervous that the darker part that hid inside of him as it did in all humans would rear its ugly head and no one would fear that more than himself. But he could look intimidating if he wanted to. Right now he was supposed to, but he preferred when he had to.

As he looked at Seokjin with strength and anger he could only hope that the other boy didn’t take him seriously. He didn’t like to make others afraid, it always reminded him of the looks he got from the few people that saw his real power. Of the word ‘monster.’ But a class was a class and a grade was a grade, it would take something much more unreasonable than this to cause him to refuse and after Suga did aegyo how could he not show strength.

Yoongi looked over proud of Namjoon, happy that he was actually showing even a small portion of the true strength he had inside. He was constantly frustrated that his friend let himself be bullied when he had such strength. He believed that people who bullied deserved to get what was coming from them, himself included, but Namjoon didn’t. Yoongi couldn’t keep the smile off his face as his friend was finally showing some of his charisma. It didn’t fix what had already happened in class, but it did help a little.

‘Weak my ass.’ Suga thought with a self satisfied smirk. He still very much wanted the class to be over, but at least he could get some enjoyment out of it.

Mr. Key nodded,

“Not bad,” was all he said sending Namjoon a look that reminded him that the teacher knew a lot more about him than he let on, he knew how scary Namjoon could be, but he didn’t press it understanding why the boy felt that way, and proud of him for at least not refusing though he knew it was hard. Namjoon would have definitely preferred showing off cuteness over strength, “I know that took a lot for you.”

He patted the boys back as he gauged Seokjin’s reaction, listened to Yoongi’s mind grumble about how he liked to push people’s buttons and figured it was time to move on to some other students. Everyone in class had their own issues after all and though it was fun to tease some students, it was even more fun to tease all of them and put them on to level ground,

“Suho, would you say Luhan is strong or weak?” he questioned moving on to other members for the rest of the class until all of them were very much done with him, as he had been done with them. He did this for some time until everyone was accounted for, most of which were unhappy one way or another.

At the end of class he did put in,

“Tomorrow will be a particularly special class because we will have some guest instructors helping out as well as both of us teachers, as long as nothing dire happens and the team is needed. I personally look forward to it.”

Yoongi let out a snort at that, this class was quickly becoming his least favorite. He could only guess what would put such a horrifyingly happy look on his teachers face and knew it was no good for him. He was quite looking forward to next period, if only because it could honestly not get any worse for him that day. But you know what they say, ‘famous last words.’

 

[underoos]

Seemed that the worst was out of the way, Hoseok thought with a sag of his shoulders at the prospect of not having to interact with Yoongi any longer. He'd had his chance to be mean, just like Yoongi was to him, but he didn't want to be unfair. Treat others how you want to be treated was the classic golden rule, wasn't it? And Hobi certainly was a believer in kindness, so he could only hope that his little act of kindness would mean Yoongi wouldn't be too unfair to him. Especially since the conversation leading up to the class hadn't exactly shown that Yoongi was looking to be nice at all that day. Though, with what he had to display, Hobi could only think that showing weakness in the form of cuteness as he had been asked to didn't leave him in such great shape.

Hoseok figured he would leave him well alone for the rest of the class and bolt toward the door once they were excused. Then it would give him less of a chance to say anything else to him, at least, and give him a little reprieve until the next class they might have together.

As his technique was critiqued, he breathed a small sigh of relief that at least it was up to par.... at least in Mr. Key's eyes. He wasn't so sure it would have worked for Yoongi, considering he wasn't as well-suited for intimidation like he was. Maybe he just made a fool out of himself trying to make himself look a bit more threatening. There had been some words in mind, words he'd wanted to say out loud to Yoongi when he was in the midst of his act that were very un-Hoseok-like. He'd reined himself in, though, knowing he would only look sillier if he tried to talk back to him. While he was nodding intensely as Mr. Key listed off what he could have done to make his act more believable, his eyebrows shot up in surprise and took the smallest glance at Yoongi from the corner of his eye. Oh, god, he definitely wasn't trying to seduce him. Floundering for a moment, he was pretty positive that he could have melted right where he was in embarrassment of ever coming off as seductive to Yoongi. h=He muttered, "Thank you," in response to the advice and let his head bow, sinking low into his seat again.

Too bad that wasn't the only surprise there was.

Without turning his head, he lifted his gaze from where it had been on the table to look at Yoongi from the corner of his eye. Did he hear that right? Did Yoongi actually... compliment him, in his own way? 'Better than expected'. Well. If they were talking about 'expectations', then that was way better than what Hoseok had been expecting as far as a reaction.

"Yeah, I guess I did alright," he said once the words had processed in his mind. But Yoongi was back to being Yoongi within seconds when a kid from the side of the classroom kept taunting him. A can went flying across the room, smacking into the guy's head with a quiet little thunk. And, true to his nature, Hoseok flinched from the sudden movement beside him. Well, it was nice while it lasted, he thought to himself with a small groan.

_____________

While Seokjin had been pleased with his own act, a little smug smile coming to rest on his face, it was wiped off nearly as quick when Yoongi snarked right back at him. Seokjin's head spun around to look at him, his hand gripping the back of his chair. He wasn't quite glaring at him, trying not to give into the burst of irritation he felt in the pit of his stomach. He didn't notice Namjoon beside him, shaking his head in a clear disagreement with what Seokjin had said in the first place. His thoughts were instead on what he would gladly say to Min Yoongi (if he was sure he wouldn't practically rip his head off).

Mr. Key's voice cut through the tension Seokjin felt, reminding him that he was still in the classroom and that setting Yoongi off was not the best idea for keeping any sort of peace.

He turned around so he was facing Namjoon again, the smug look definitely wiped off his face. Who was Yoongi to think he was any better than Seokjin? He was fuming at the thought, sniffing indignantly as he pushed away all the thoughts he would have gladly let Yoongi know. It was fine. Everything was fine.

Namjoon's glasses were off, which already lead him to look... quite different than normal. The glasses gave him a more dorky vibe, one that Seokjin naturally associated with him. An overly eager kid looking to learn more about subjects, always raising his hand in the middle of class and asking the strangest questions.

However, 'strong' Namjoon was a complete different entity. Where Seokjin thought he wouldn't be able to muster up enough to look menacing, Namjoon's expression turned into something darker. Not quite angry at the world like Yoongi was able to do, and not the awkward confidence-building expression that Hoseok had managed, but something... something different. Almost powerful. It was strange, something that he couldn't put his finger on making him linger and stare.

It was entrancing.

He felt like he shouldn't have been staring at him, but rather stepping back. Taking a few steps back, actually. For someone who was supposed to be weak in Seokjin's eyes, the fierce gaze he held certainly seemed to contradict the thought he had.

And then it was over, his gaze snapping away fast as his brows furrowed. Namjoon needed to put the glasses back on because Seokjin wasn't quite sure what to do with this new side of him, he thought with a sigh as he rubbed the side of his face. Soon, their teacher was moving on, leaving Jin to be glad that they were done with the exercise for the day. He wasn't sure that bantering any more with Namjoon would be possible after what he had just witnessed, needing some time to process it.

____________

To say Jimin and Taehyung were troublemakers was a gross understatement.

And to add Jeon Jungkook to that mix... well, it was just easy to say that whatever classes the three of them had together, mayhem and chaos would surely follow. Which, unfortunately, was what Chaerin was dealing with at the present moment.

The class wasn't easy, and she knew that.

It was just one class of a series that students would take over the years designed to help begin the transition into a hero's sort of mentality. The course had a stupid 'mature' name to it that honestly, she didn't bother using. 'Focusing 101' sounded hellish too, which was exactly what the course was about. Focus. The kids were young, they were eager, and...

And they were testing her patience, for god's sake.

Another disappointed look was sent toward the back of the classroom. Class had barely started, and though it was boring as all hell (even for her), she was trying to set them up for how the class would run.

While Chaerin, or Ms. Lee, continued to speak while blatantly ignoring the troublemakers, Jimin had caught on that their loudness wasn't exactly welcomed in the classroom setting. Not that he exactly blamed her; the class was hellish, but so were they.

But it seemed the topic of conversation was based around the eldest member in the Jimin and Taehyung's group, with a recount of a sleepy blunder that Yoongi had made way too early in the morning. It was a running joke between the youngest two members, and one that they couldn't help but share with Jungkook. At least, Taehyung couldn't help himself.

"If only Yoongi could hear you talk like that about him, Tae. He'd probably smack you," Jimin said with a huff of laughter, though he did his best to keep his voice down as he lectured him. "That story was definitely not for anyone else to hear. What if Jungkookie tells Seokjin?" Once the laughter had died down, Taehyung knew that Jungkook probably wouldn't out him like that to Seokjin. It would only cause more fighting, since he would probably use it against Yoongi, and the youngest members were pretty sick of the feud.

In fact, they had their own opinions about it all.

But it brought up a curious question to Taehyung. "Do you think they have classes together this semester? Namjoon and Seokjin, I mean," he said, leaning his chin into his hand. For a strange character as he could be, he was quick to pick up on the emotions of others, a trait he shared with Jimin. Though, Jimin was more the empathizer of the group, while Taehyung had a harder time with comforting.

"It'd be funny if they did," Taehyung continued on.

Jimin snorted. "They act like they hate each other. They're so oblivious," he said with a sigh, fingernail tracing a mark on the table that another student had left behind.

 

[Arabella Cauwell]

Yoongi was glad that Hoseok was not much of an instigator. When the other boy had looked at him about the possibility of seduction Suga had ignored him, not wanting to even look in case the other took it the wrong way. But from the corner of his eyes he could see that Hoseok was at least surprised. So it had not been purposeful. Maybe the person that the other had tried to imagine their strength from happened to be someone flirty or seductive, or maybe Hoseok was unknowingly a natural flirt. Whatever the case that was what Yoongi had thought. At least no matter what, the other hadn’t shown fear and that was honestly enough for him.

Before he had known it, He had let his real thoughts slip to the other boy and they were too kind for his own taste, at least when it came to that other group. Hoseok looked a little surprised, but it seemed to give him more of a confidence boost, or at least might once he was able to process it. Even Yoongi knew he was probably confusing the other boy, but it was hard to war with who one wanted to be and ones true nature.

Thankfully he soon found himself back on solid footing when Seokjin’s smile was whipped off his face. Yoongi watched the other boys knuckles whiten as he gripped his chair and contemplated what to do. Yoongi couldn’t read minds himself, but at that moment he would have probably liked to have Mr. Key’s ability. He felt very happy pissing off Seokjin…particularly when Seokjin was all the way in the front of the classroom in the middle of a class.

Yoongi was very happy to see strong Namjoon, so much so that it took him a while to look away from his friend to see the reactions of the other students, but of course he had to. There were so many rumors about Namjoon that pissed him off that it was quite satisfying to see so many students get a small view of his bad boy look. Yoongi was practically gloating like he was the one scaring them, but soon his mood soured when he looked at Seokjin.

Seokjin was staring like he was hypnotized and then when Namjoon was done with the fierce gaze Seokjin had turned away uncharacteristically looking…what was the word shy? Embarrassed? Yoongi did not like those looks. It was like watching a bubble about to break. Those were not the looks of an enemy, they were the beginnings of something that frightened Yoongi to see.

And so the minute the bell rang Yoongi threw his backpack over his shoulder, practically ran to the front of the room, grabbed Namjoon’s wrist, and pulled him along with him into the hallway, keeping a grip on him to the next class. He couldn’t afford for Seokjin and Namjoon to realize their true feelings. Namjoon couldn’t afford it either. Yoongi just wished that he didn’t fear Seokjin’s power so much. He should have changed with Namjoon when he saw them together, but sometimes it was okay and Namjoon stuck his foot in his mouth trying to avoid the inevitable. Today it had been dangerous and it was only first period.

What did Yoongi have to do to stop this train wreck from happening? He would have to give it some thought when he got the chance.

---
Namjoon was nervous of the look that Seokjin was giving him. It was odd, because he had to concentrate on looking a certain way, but a part of him felt like Seokjin was pulling him in with his look. Despite what Mr. Key said he felt he failed in some way. Seokjin had looked like he wanted to pull back from him and that rejection hurt, but the other boy had stood his ground and instead Namjoon felt like he were being hypnotized to go closer to the other boy. He wanted to reach out and stop Seokjin from pulling away from him desperately, even though that was what he should have wanted to happen. Still he managed to keep his fierce gaze, until Mr. Key jotted down a grade and spoke back to him.

Namjoon dropped the look immediately, now probably looking more vulnerable than usual as he fumbled to put his glasses on. For Namjoon his glasses were only really needed for reading, but he wore them all of the time because they were like a disguise he could slip behind. He knew they were considered dorky and he didn’t care, because that was preferable. There was a famous American Superhero called Superman that was just the same. Hiding who he was behind nothing more than a different outfit and a pair of dorky glasses. Namjoon loved to learn about America and was working to become a Superhero so it only made sense that he would look into them. In fact, that American style had helped show him the power of glasses. It was like a disguise or really an armor and Namjoon really needed it about now.

He spent the rest of the class avoiding eye contact with Seokjin as he was so nervous of the reaction. Had he done irreparable damage? Did people sense darkness within him? Did he let something slip?

His mind raced, but this time Mr. Key was kind enough to leave him alone, though it must have been bugging him. When Mr. Key was testing some of the last students that needed to go Namjoon slipped the Textbook they were clearly not using and most of his things into his bag, except the notebook and pen he was writing with. Being a strategist he liked to write down information that he could pick up on each of his classmates and teachers. Later he would make profiles of them on his computer and include anything he saw. He actually also did it when he was bullied, but in a clinical manner, listing potential reasons, what the bullies did, what they said, and so on. Pretty much anything he could remember from the incidents.

If his classmates ever got their hands on it they’d probably make up their own gossip about the individual students and whatnot, but Namjoon wasn’t trying to figure out who liked who, he just knew that some times even when one had a team they had to team up with other people and he could utilize their abilities best if he understood them. Plus statistically speaking at least some of his classmates would likely go to the side of evil. It was not unheard of by any means, and knowing them no matter what the power match up could earn a victory or defeat.

Thinking of this he jotted down some more notes to put in his database based on the reactions of others. He would need to file the whole class’s response with how each student was viewed by their peers and how they had reacted and if they had been able to pull off the opposite on that first class. Not everyone was a great actor, but many did well under Namjoon’s opinion anyway. These thoughts helped keep Namjoon’s mind off of Seokjin for a little while, but soon he found himself glancing over, curious again, until suddenly, practically as the bell rang Yoongi had grabbed his wrist and pulled him straight out of the classroom.

He was glad he had clutched his notebook, pen still in his grip, or else he might have lost it. Namjoon was a bit confused by Yoongi’s speed, the other student hated to run and rarely did it unless very freaked out. Blinking up at him in question, but Suga wasn’t really paying him attention despite pulling him along to what he could only hope was the next class.

“Yoongi-hyung where are we going?”

“Anywhere but there.” Was his reply before Namjoon dug his feet into the ground, causing Yoongi to pause.

He put his notebook and pen away, afraid they would fall, before taking out his schedule and pointing to period 2,

“We have the same classes right?”

“Mostly.” Suga agreed, reaching into his own bag, still obviously preoccupied with his own thoughts, but he handed his schedule to Namjoon without a problem.

Namjoon looked it over and then grinned,

“Ah good, next class is Teamwork so we’ll all be together. I can’t wait to see our Maknae’s, they must be so cute on the first day back to school,” Namjoon said with a fond smile, “I wonder how their first period went.”

Yoongi would have to agree, he really needed more back up than at that last class, especially since practically the whole school had to take Teamwork. It was half lecture, half demonstrative. As long as Jimin and Taehyung were not being particularly mischievous it couldn’t go worse than last class, could it?

“Well it has to be better than ours did.” Yoongi grumbled and with a blush and a bit lip Namjoon had to agree.

____________

Jeon Jungkook was an interesting superhero in training to say the least. He was the youngest of either of the rival groups and the only one in the Maknae level classes in Seokjin’s. Jeon Jungkook was a fairly popular boy, but one couldn’t exactly say that he had a reputation to ruin or not. Sometimes he seemed like an innocent little bunny that people wanted to coddle, other times an excited puppy that you couldn’t keep up with, and sometimes he would be like a wolf or a bear that you did not mess with. With teachers he was either a goody-two-shoes or a troublemaker, depending on who he was hanging out with. So for Focus 101 it was Ms. Lee’s misfortune that it was only the Maknae group. But it was also ironic that Jeon Jungkook could focus pretty well when he wanted to, but in the class of Focusing he wasn’t doing so well at the moment.

Maybe a part of that ever changing personality had to do with growing up, or perhaps it was because of his actually power itself. Jungkook was a shapeshifter. It was a cool power to have and made sense considering his well rounded abilities. He was praised in his class and by teachers as ‘The Golden Maknae.’ As a fairly competitive person this greatly pleased him, although he wanted to be considered a Hyung, but that wasn’t likely due to the company he preferred.

Yes, although he didn’t like being babied and having to call other people Hyung he also preferred the company of Hyungs to Maknaes. He wasn’t the youngest in the class, but he just didn’t feel compatible with the younger ones. A lot of them were green and scared and he couldn’t learn any cool tricks and they were so unsure of themselves that they didn’t seem cool or fun to him at all. Just once he’d have liked to meet a boy younger than himself that he could hang out with and would call him Hyung, but so far it wasn’t meant to be. Older people were so much cooler and in his class he couldn’t find anyone cooler than the mischievous troublemakers Jimin and Taehyung.

It had not been an easy decision being friends with Jimin and Taehyung. Of course it would have been dumber to have made enemies of them considering he would have been outnumbered, and Jimin and Tae were not people you wanted to get on the wrong side of, luckily that was not very easy to do. He was so glad that Jimin and Taehyung were not the type of people to have grudges against who their hyungs did. Jungkook certainly had no problems himself with Namjoon or even Yoongi except that the boy made him nervous. He hadn’t ever done anything to Jungkook persay, but Jungkook always felt like he could snap at any second. He didn’t know how Jimin and Taehyung could handle such tension all of the time, but oddly the stories they told and the way they spoke about Yoongi when they were alone was hard to imagine from the way Suga normally acted in public.

Today he was getting one of such stories and it made him giggle to imagine, the great, scary Min Yoongi acting like a normal flawed human being, but soon his giggle turned into a pout when Jimin questioned what he’d do if Jungkook told. Jungkook was not a tattle tale. He had kept many secrets in his time, but that was what happened when one was friends with a rival group. No one was more sick of the two groups rivalry than Jeon Jungkook, and he felt he was the most affected by it. Seokjin and Hoseok got to be together to rival Namjoon and Yoongi, but had the rivalry continued to the Maknae’s he would have had to take on two of them, both older than him, which just wasn’t fair.

In fact, that had been a big problem last year when he was supposed to take a class without his group’s hyungs and Seokjin had been freaking out that he was going to get bullied. It was when the rivalry had started becoming pretty bad. Jeon Jungkook had entered and tried to make friends with others, but he kept being drawn to the fun that Jimin and Tae were having. They were so cool and other Maknae’s wanted to be with them, but there seemed to be a barrier around them. It was almost like an invisible dare that most refused to take. But Jeon Jungkook was competitive by nature. He knew they were just people. He also knew that they would likely reject him, but he’d still had to try and somehow it had worked, confusing the whole class, and making him feel so proud.

But their friendship was strained by the immaturity of their Hyungs. He really didn’t get it and as the youngest Seokjin didn’t seem to feel the need to explain it to him or at least that’s what it seemed like. But it wasn’t fair that the maknae’s had to draw a line in their friendship because of the Hyungs and it also wasn’t fair that he had to be the one of all of them to get the short end of the stick on seemingly everything related to the split and his age.

“I’m not a tattletale,” Jungkook snapped, still pouty, he didn’t understand why older kids were so much more fun to hangout with, but always acted like he couldn’t control himself or just walked out of the womb. Then again it probably didn’t help him that his group leader fussed over him so much, but that wasn’t his fault either, “besides Seokjin-hyung doesn’t usually mess with Yoongi-hyung.”

It was true as much as he knew his leader only seemed to fight with Namjoon. Yoongi probably made his entire team fairly nervous, himself included though he was better at hiding it.

Jungkook listened and beamed since he had information the other two didn’t. He had been curious himself about how the classes were split and had annoyed Seokjin and Hoseok for their classes, writing them down so he knew which one with them and without them and putting it in his notebook before handing them back, so at least he had a handle on his own teams. He excitedly grabbed his backpack and opened it up pointing it out to the other two,

“If you remember some of your Hyung’s classes we can figure it out from this. I wanted to know what classes we were in together so I wrote down their schedules.” He said, still seated but practically on his tip toes in his chair, excited at thinking ahead so well.

Jungkook wasn’t sure if he wanted Namjoon and Seokjin to have classes together or not. If they had them together it was more likely that they would fight, but also they’d have the possibility of the reconciliation that Jungkook was really hoping for. Jungkook looked back and forth as Taehyung and Jimin spoke, sometimes to each other, sometimes to him. Jungkook loved being included in things, but sometimes it made sense to him when the other two spoke to each other directly, since they acted like twins.

Jungkook wished that the two rival groups would just become one awesome group. He bet that he could be even closer to the maknae line if they lived together and didn’t have to be on edge about getting in trouble for letting something the other side shouldn’t know slip. Groups, when decided, got to stay in dorm rooms together as a unit and Jungkook would have loved nothing better than to just be one big happy superhero group together. As much as he loved Seokjin and Hoseok he just knew adding more people would really help his quality of life.

He could have fun and actually have someone to play video games with if Tae moved in, Hoseok would have someone more physical to play around with if Jimin joined, Seokjin would coddle him less if he had more Maknae’s to coddle and would also be distracted by Namjoon, Jungkook also felt that Namjoon would treat him more maturely than the others for some reason. Only Yoongi would be the wild card there and Jungkook could live with that...as long as he didn’t have to share the same room.

“It’s not fair that we can’t all be together just because most of the hyungs argue too much.” Jungkook said with a sigh, he really didn’t like all of this separation.

Jungkook listened to Jimin’s statement and tilted his head to the side. He didn’t quite understand what was so obvious about Seokjin and Namjoon, but he didn’t exactly want to point that out in case they acted like he was a baby for not knowing. Obvious, after all meant that everyone could see it and he was fairly competitive by nature so he didn’t admit that he couldn’t understand. He was mostly able to keep up with his Hyungs but when he couldn’t it bothered him.

“Obvious,” he said shaking his head, trying to keep up with the ruse, “yeah and we should do something about that.”

Jeon Jungkook had no idea what, but anything that made the Hyung’s closer would help his cause. The more people the funner and more powerful they would be. All of them were there to defeat the bad guys, so what was the point in all of this fighting? The more they worked as a unit the more bad guys would be defeated. He just wanted them to all be together.

 

[underoos]

At the rather indignant reply paired with a pout that really didn't help Jungkook look any older or scarier (because honestly, the kid's bunny face and chubby cheeks screamed adorable to Jimin and Taehyung both), Jimin could only smile and nudge Jungkook's shoulder. "Okay, okay. Don't be so pouty about it." He leaned back in his seat, bringing a hand up to set under his chin as he hummed in thought. "Yeah, you're right about that. Seokjin seems to have an aversion for Yoongi-hyung." Which, Jimin could understand.

If anyone didn't know Yoongi, chances were they'd have an aversion too.

Him and Taehyung, on the other hand, were like the annoying little brothers of the oldest of their group. Always there to mock him and annoy him, but they knew he wouldn't snap at them like he would anyone else. Well... okay, not quite; Yoongi snapped at them a lot, but with a fondness present in his irritated tone. Though, there were quite a few smiles and laughs that they managed to get out of him, especially during a team bonding session at their dorm where the four of them would sit around, cracking jokes and talking into the later hours of the evening. Those were always the best because everyone was relaxed, they weren't worried about rivalries or keeping up appearances; it was just them. Jimin and Taehyung always hated the dichotomy of relaxed Joon-hyung and Yoongi-hyung compared to the versions of them that came out during the school hours.

But Jungkook's point remained; Seokjin and Yoongi weren't friends. At all. Namjoon and Seokjin were at each other's throats a lot. Hoseok was just... terrified of Yoongi, but tended to remain neutral (and even friendly at times) with Namjoon. It was a mess that the maknaes watched from the background. It was at the point that Jimin and Tae had determined it was time to do something about it, especially if they could get Jungkook in on it. It would be an attack from both sides that would surely, surely work out. How could it not?

Seokjin and Namjoon had an underlying tension in their relationship. Rivals, certainly, but there wasn't as much bite in Namjoon's words about Seokjin as there could have been. Seokjin didn't quite glare at Namjoon with enough force as he had when they first started to fight.

Taehyung leaned in to where the maknae had pulled out a notebook. "Ahhh, Jungkookie! Look at you- so prepared," Taehyung exclaimed, leaning forward and squishing himself next to Jungkook to get a better look at the book that was sitting on his desk. He rested his chin on his shoulder.

The thing with Tae and Jimin was that they had no concept of 'personal space', especially around each other. Their friends weren't spared any luck either; often backhugs and holding hands were in their queue of affection. It was a good thing most of their friends accepted such physical showings of affection.

With narrowed eyes, Taehyung pointed at the first class on the schedule. Super Fashion. Hadn't he heard Namjoon say something about that when he was comparing his schedule with Yoongi's? He wasn't exactly sure; he had been playing a game on his phone when the conversation had been going on. He did remember snippets, and he was pretty sure that this first class was shared between the four oldest hyungs.

"Well," Taehyung said, pointing at the first class written down under Seokjin and Hoseok's schedules, "I found their first class together."

Jimin made a small hissing sound, expressing his displeasure as his lips came up into a pout and his nose crinkled. That spelled trouble in itself, knowing the the four oldest were going to be stuck in the same classroom together. Either everything would go up in flames or, miraculously, there would be no harm done. "Do you think any of them are going to make it out unharmed?"

With a shrug, Taehyung continued to skim over the classes that were written down. One finger trailed over the paper, his mouth in a thin line. "I guess we'll see next period." He tapped at where Jungkook's handwriting read 'Teamwork'.

Though Jungkook agreed that it was obvious, he didn't seem as confident. Though, he was right... they needed to do something about it. He froze, tensing up as a thought struck him. They could do something. After all, it would be all of them next period. Slamming his finger down repeatedly on the page, specifically the 'teamwork' period, he gasped, "Jungkook! A genius. A pure, pure genius, way too good for this world."

He lifted his chin up, nearly smacking his and Jungkook's heads together, and said more excitedly, "Teamwork means that we're all going to be together-"

Jimin's eyes widened, immediately catching on with a gleam in his eye. "-and that means Namjoon and Seokjin will be together," he continued. "So if we play our cards right and plan something now-"

"-then we could start tearing down that stupid rivalry they have going. Oh my god, I could kiss you, Jungkook," Taehyung went on, thrilled and nearly vibrating with the excitement.

Neither of them were speaking in a way that made sense, almost like they were sharing one mind and thinking aloud (which was practically what it was). They had spoken about how great it would have been if there wasn't such a rivalry between the two leaders, and if they would realize the potential to be, at the very least, friends. Jimin and Taehyung both knew that the feelings they had for each other buried under a disguise of hatred and disgust for each other wasn't just friendly, though. If Seokjin could dig through his ego and let it go and if Namjoon could be a little more aware and less terrified of himself.

....Not an easy job, but the Maknae line was perfect for it.

Which was why Taehyung was scrambling for Jimin's notebook, ignoring the look of annoyed students around them who were trying to listen to the lecture from the front of the classroom.

 

[Arabella Cauwell]

Jungkook scrunched his nose up at Jimin’s statement,

“I am not pouty, I am indignant,” Jungkook said matter-of-factly, “and technically, I think most of the school has an aversion to Yoong-hyung.”

Jungkook actually thought Yoongi seemed pretty cool, but he still made him a bit nervous, particularly if Tae and Jimin weren’t around to calm Yoongi down. Depending on his mood and stubbornness level at the moment would depend on how that interaction would go.

Jungkook loved that Taehyung was so supportive of him. He felt proud as Tae squished himself next to him. Almost no one he knew seemed to understand personal space to be honest, at least not to him. If he were in a group with Yoongi and Namjoon than maybe they would, but Seokjin, Hoseok, and the rest of the maknae line were constantly using skinship with him. So he was somewhat used to it, but it still made him smile sometimes. He liked the familial vibe it gave off most of the time, even though he did like his space once in a while and didn’t want to be babied overall.

Still his chest puffed out at the thought of how well he did, practically preening. Sometimes being a shapeshifter meant that even in your regular human form you might tend to do the movement of some animal or other human’s trick. But Jungkook had some of his own.

“I knew it would come in handy.” He mumbled half to himself, pleased by his efforts going noticed.

Jungkook listened and looked when Taehyung pointed out their first class together, which was first period. His eyes widened at the thought of the Hyungs together without the helping aid of the maknaes. It sounded bad, but then again,

“Well it is a bit concerning, but at least it’s only Super Fashion. What could possibly happen in a class about clothes?” he questioned innocently, as his phone went off.

Curiously he reached down and pulled it out to check. One of his older Hyung friends had sent him a text with a video attached. Jungkook tilted his head as he read the text first,

‘Hey Jungkook, I know your group is like rivals with Namjoon’s right? Well this may come in handy for you in the future. Your welcome by the way.’

Jungkook was still confused when he clicked on the video to see it play, but his eyes widened and he actually dropped the phone revealing to at least Tae and Jimin one the scariest things Jungkook had ever seen. Suga being…cute.

Jungkook couldn’t understand how that had happened. Had he been hypnotized? Was it a fake? Was someones power hacking? He couldn’t imagine what on earth could have caused such a 180 degree change in personality, and was that Hoseok in front of Suga? A part of him wanted to scream ‘Hoseok run!’ like he was watching a horror movie, but clearly this had just happened.

“Nevermind what I said, it’s the end of the world and everyone in that room will be dead but Yoongi in a few minutes. There’s no way he will let them live after seeing that.” He said shaking his head, wondering if he should run to the other class and try to protect his hyungs, but second guessing his thoughts upon a look from their teacher.

Jungkook was surprised out of his thoughts of what kind of funeral Hobi would like by being called a genius. He enjoyed those words, although it wasn’t the first time he’d heard that before mind you. Still Taehyung had a way of exciting him. He nodded in agreement, clapping his hands together,

“Thank you hyung, you also are too good for this world,” He said, “but just so Jimin knows what we are talking about why don’t you say why aloud.”

He listened, smile widening as Taehyung said such beautiful words, his dream was that they all be together. Jimin said that Namjoon and Seokjin would be together if they did something right. It was clear that the two older ones had a plan, but since he wasn’t fully following he decided to just ask directly,

“Just tell me what you need me to do and I’m there.”

At Taehyung telling him that he could just kiss him Jungkook smiled innocently saying,

“Okay.” Expecting a kiss on the forehead or an Eskimo kiss as a good job.

Jungkook didn’t care about the glares or the lecture, all he cared about was the plan, and how he couldn’t fail this one. He was practically on the edge of his seat,

“We have to make a way that we can all be together always. I’d do anything to make that happen.” He said with a smile.

Next period was going to be quite interesting and he was sure that his part would be important for his group anyway, after all there was only one of him in the Maknae line.

~

Yoongi thought about what he could do to keep Seokjin and Namjoon apart for quite a few minutes as he walked with him to the next class. He was glad that classes had a decent break in between each class to make sure that no matter what part of the Academy you were coming from you’d have time, but Namjoon had wanted to go directly to the gymnasium, where this particular course was held.

Namjoon was afraid that if they didn’t get there as early as possible their Maknae’s Jimin and Taehyung might get nervous. Yoongi personally thought it was more likely that they’d get into mischief than be a bundle of nerves, but they were usually able to play Namjoon better than they could play him. He may have had a soft spot, but he knew when to put his foot down.

The class was set up stadium style in the gymnasium, leaving the middle open for when the class would be demonstrative. Namjoon moved to go sit at the front of one of the row, but this time Yoongi wasn’t having it,

‘Oh no, not this time,’ he thought, but aloud he merely said,

“I think it will be easier for the Maknae’s to see us from higher up, don’t you think?”

Namjoon paused and then nodded, letting Yoongi pick instead, before plopping down in a seat next to him. Now Yoongi had a good vantage point and spot for finding the Maknaes and avoiding Seokjin’s group. But then again Seokjin and Hoseok had sat near them the first period.

Alarm bells rung in Suga’s ear. Maybe the two were in cohoots and had planned to get closer to them, to find something out about their group, maybe even Namjoon’s powers or Suga’s fears. Jungkook was uncomfortably close to their Maknaes come to think of it. Was this an elaborate conspirosy? If so how could he stop it.

Running his fingers through his hair he thought, mind racing, what could he do to deter their evil plan? He had to make sure that Seokjin couldn’t get to Namjoon. But how?

He closed his eyes considering it for a few more minutes, until suddenly a plan popped straight into his head. Seokjin had been trying to get in with Namjoon by flirting, but what if that option was closed to him?

Yoongi’s gaze slowly looked over Namjoon. To be honest Namjoon was like a brother to him and it was definitely going to further mess with his previous reputation, but…if it worked…if it kept them all safe…then so be it.

He knew how to manipulate Joon when it was necessary. He didn’t like doing it, but this was for a greater cause, but this day was definitely going on his worst day ever list…

Taking a deep breath Yoongi looked over at Namjoon as the other boy was craning his neck to check for the Maknae’s, like a dad who was in charge of hearding the kids home from school for the first time, before he made sure his face was right and then said,

“Before the kids get here there is something I had to get off my chest.”

Namjoon blinked surprised, before turning to his Hyung. He could tell it was a sensitive topic so he nodded and made sure that Suga could see that he was listening to him and being heard,

“What is it Yoongi-hyung? You can always come to me about everything.”

Yoongi swallowed, he really hated Namjoon’s kindness sometimes, it was making him guilty though he refused to pull back,

“You’re very touchy feely with the maknaes,” he breathed out, already dreading what he had to add, “but with me you don’t really-”

Damn, even when it was a lie it was hard to say, Suga breathed again before trying to continue,

“You like them better than me right?”

Namjoon’s eyes widened again as he reached his hand out,

“Yoongi-hyung, I’m so sorry, I didn’t know you felt this way. The kids are just so much more obvious about it and I didn’t want to enter your space…but if you like…if you think you need…” Namjoon fell short of finishing as the topic was a bit embarrassing and he was upset that Suga must have been holding something like this in for so long so he just said, “I didn’t think you’d like people seeing that or people in your space, but of course I love you equally Suga.”

Yoongi felt like he might just throw up. He couldn’t believe he could use his mouth to say such cringy things. Sure he liked when Tae and Jimin snuggled up to him, but he wasn’t touch deprived. Still for the greater cause he had to sell it,

“Prove it. In public.” Yoongi pressed.

Namjoon was further surprised, but he nodded. He couldn’t have his friend think he was a social pariah or something, though it was still confusing,

“Sure Yoongi-hyung,” he said leaning his head against the other boy’s shoulder in an effort to comfort him.

Namjoon thought the maknaes would be better at this, but since Yoongi seemed to need it from him specifically he would try.

Meanwhile, Yoongi scanned the room, his plan falling into place. He’d like to see Seokjin try to flirt with Namjoon, when he believed that Namjoon was Yoongi’s.

 

[underoos]

Jimin stumbled over a squawk of surprise when he saw the video on the screen of Jungkook's phone, ignoring the very loud 'shush' from the front of the room as Ms. Lee was interrupted once again. Blatantly ignoring the warning, he was out of his seat and leaning across the desk toward where Taehyung was slack-faced, wondering what in the hell happened for Yoongi to ever do that. Seokjin, out of revenge? If that was the case, he was dead meat.

"No way, no way!" Jimin said, looking up to stare at the other maknaes. "You're right. The school is probably burning down as we speak."

Taehyung seconded the statement by wiggling his fingers, imitating fire as he made a fwoosh sound.

But, as there was no fiery heat coming to meet them at the moment, Jimin figured they were okay. The Super Fashion classroom, maybe not so much. But a burning curiosity was still present, wondering just as the other two what had happened. And if it had been videoed, chances were it would spread fast across the school. Yikes.

Taehyung, though, seemed to have recovered rather quickly. "No worries, fellas, I'm a man with a plan. Listen up," he demanded, taking the pen from Jungkook's table as well as flipping open the cover to Jimin's notebook. He ignored the 'hey' he received from Jimin and batted away the hand that reached to grab his notebook back, instead pulling the notebook to the farthest corner away. "Teamwork starts with a lecture, then a demonstration."

"So we sit together. Seokjin's always been a mother hen over Jungkook, so he's going to be drawn to wherever this kid sits," Jimin said, raising his arm to set on Jungkook's shoulder (which turned out to be an awkward angle, considering their obvious height difference). He may have had the baby face, but he was certainly not a child in the way his body was built. It was unfair, honestly. "And, Namjoon's rather protective too. He's not going to let us sit alone, either, especially since it's Teamwork. He'll make some kind of rational argument that we have to sit together-"

"And blah blah, so on and so forth," Taehyung cut him off, making a little diagram on the paper that didn't look close to the gym. Jimin couldn't tell if those were the bleachers or a tic-tac-toe board, but he let Taehyung have his moment. "So, we maneuver them just right. Make Namjoon sit directly next to Seokjin. They'll hate it at first, right? But then, the demonstrations-"

Jimin made an 'ooh' sound, looking at Jungkook. "Jungkook, how good are you at acting?" he asked, a devious grin on his face as he leaned his elbow on the table, his chin resting in his hand. "Because, if you really want to help, I can give you an important job." Without waiting for the Maknae's approval, he went on, "Towards the end of class, I don't care how, just... fake an injury, okay? Just trust us on this." He looked at Taehyung, who normally caught on very quick, looked back at him with a tilt of his head. "Someone would have to bring him to the nurse. Or, multiple 'someone's."

"But wouldn't you just heal him-" Taehyung started, only to be cut off with a shake of Jimin's head.

"Not if I can hide fast enough. No healer, no problem," Jimin said, sitting back in his seat as he dropped an imaginary mic. "What do you say, Kook? If we can just get them alone, get them to talk rather than bantering like they do, then maybe they can sort their problems out." It would be a slow process; one little session together wasn't going to make them best friends, but if this could start it, then he would gladly take it.

_____________________________

When class had ended, Seokjin was glad for it. Getting away from Namjoon was much appreciated, even if Yoongi had all but sprinted out with him in tow. Must have been because he was embarrassed by the previous event, he had thought with a shrug. Meeting up with Hoseok at the door, who looked way less tense than he had during class, they meandered out into the hallway of students milling about as they got ready for their next class.

"Jungkook is in our next class," Hoseok commented, looking at his timetable with the little symbols that indicated whether Seokjin or Jungkook were in the same class.

Seokjin hummed, half listening as his eyes darted around the hallway. He knew who he was looking for, though he knew he was long gone at that point, taken by the angry midget nicknamed Suga.

Since the class, he hadn't been able to stop thinking about Namjoon and the way he had looked, staring at Jin with that powerful gaze of his. Breathing out slowly, he rubbed at the back of his neck. Great. Was he really thinking about Kim frickin' Namjoon? His eyes narrowed as he glared at the floor, scuffing his foot at a particular flecked white tile in frustration.

"Uh, hello, earth to Seokjin," Hoseok said, waving his hand in front of Jin's face. When he hadn't gotten even a soft chuckle from the older boy, he had been worried for a moment that his joke hadn't been as funny as he thought. But, much to his surprise, Jin was just spacing out. "Are you still thinking about what Yoongi said? I think he was just stressed out today. Or... something. I don't know." He was always mad, honestly, but Hoseok was trying to be nice and come up with an excuse.

Shaken out of his stupor, Jin sighed, letting his head fall back. "Stressed out, yeah, sure," he said with a snort. "Yeah, yeah, it was totally because of him." It sounded fake, a total lie, but Jin knew Hobi would let it lie, especially as he gestured down the hall. "Kook will be out of his class soon. We should probably meet him in the gym so he doesn't sit somewhere without us." He began to make his way down the hall and Hoseok slowly returned to his chattering. It was falling on deaf ears and he knew that, but after the class he just experienced, it was good for the both of them for at least something to return to a normal routine. In this case, Hobi's friendly personality that wasn't thrown off by an angry classmate.

They arrived to the gym doors, Seokjin pushing them open without much care. A few students milled about, chattering, but what caught Seokjin's attention immediately was the two familiar figures sitting at the top of the bleachers.

His step faltered, a brow raised as he looked at Namjoon so close to Yoongi.

Didn't Yoongi hate skinship? That was first to pop into his head. Maybe Namjoon was right that Yoongi really had changed a lot. A flare of irritation popped up that he still had to act like a prick to Seokjin, more civil or not. He huffed at that.

But secondly, they looked... comfortable. As in, Namjoon looked like he had no problem with his head on Yoongi's shoulder, and though there was a bit of tension in his face, Yoongi wasn't pushing him off. Pressing his tongue into his cheek, Jin didn't realize his gaze had been on them for more than a few seconds until Hoseok was tugging his sleeve, a look of confusion on his expression. "Why'd you stop there, Hyung? People are trying to get by you."

Stepping out of the doorway, Seokjin strutted to the bleachers and slammed his backpack down on the first row, toward the very left side of the bleachers, far away from the cuddling.... what were they, a couple? Seokjin scoffed at the thought. That was an awful couple, then. Horrible. Seokjin wouldn't give it long before they broke up, or Yoongi messed it up, or... or something. Either way, Jin thought it was a horrible match because they were horrible people. That was the reason why, he thought decidedly, turning his head away sharply and sat down.

His backpack didn't make the satisfying slam that he would have liked but definitely brought some attention his way, including a hiss from Hoseok as he awkwardly ran up to his side. "What are you doing? Why are you so upset?"

"I'm not upset," Seokjin said, sniffing indignantly. "I'm pissed off. Because of Namjoon and Yoongi. Like always. That's all."

Hoseok looked at him, completely lost. "They haven't-"

"Be quiet, Hoseok," he snapped, unintentionally losing his control for a second.

Hoseok's words cut off, his mouth opened but nothing came out. He looked hurt, staring at Seokjin with those big eyes, and the anger deflated quickly. Seokjin sighed, the hold he had over Hobi quickly disappearing. "Sorry, sorry. I just... I'm worked up still. That's all."

With the ability to speak returned, Hoseok sat down beside him. He was forgiving in the first place, but he could tell there was something on Seokjin's mind that had made him lash out. He didn't take it too harshly, then, only taking a quick peek behind himself at the...oh, huh, were they cuddling? ... This day seemed to be getting weirder and weirder. He returned his attention to Seokjin. "Don't worry about them, Hyung."

"Oh, I won't," Seokjin said loudly, loud enough to be heard far behind him; as in, for Namjoon and Yoongi's ears. "We all know who's the better person around here, anyway." His eyes shifted to Hoseok, who only looked exasperated at the fight that Seokjin was trying to pick. Couldn't he just shut up? He wasn't so likely to pick fights like he was at that moment; honestly, what was wrong with him?

God, he just hoped Jungkook showed up soon and Jin would have something else to worry about.

 

[Arabella Cauwell]

When Jimin questioned whether the school was burning down Jungkook couldn’t help but wonder if that was true if Seokjin and Hoseok were okay. But there were no loud sounds, besides the fake ones that Taehyung was making, and he was pretty sure in a hero school there should be a quick response to that sort of thing. But thankfully it didn’t seem to be the case and Jungkook let out a breath of relief.

Jungkook leaned forward conspiratorially as Taehyung and Jimin told him the plan.

He was happy to see that he was important to the plan, but knew that he was going to have to embarrassed in a kind way at least, by Jin’s very public fussing over him. He was a little pleased by Jimin’s struggle, happy that if he couldn’t be older than some of them at least he was taller and bigger. It would be hard for Jimin to baby Jungkook, which was nice. In fact, he just knew if he could get the two groups together he could channel some of Seokjin’s mommy powers over to Jimin and probably even Tae sometimes.

It was funny how Seokjin and Namjoon both acted like parents to the maknae line. They were both overprotective while Suga and Hoseok were more you live and you learn, at least Jungkook thought so, but since he wasn’t close with the other boy it was hard to tell what exactly he was like.

Making Namjoon sit exactly next to Seokjin was going to be a bit tough, especially since Yoongi would be there. But Taehyung and Jimin would be there to help, so hopefully they could do that.

Then Jimin made him even more important to the plan.

Jungkook thought about it and he was pretty sure he could pull that off. He was an all rounder after all and if he couldn’t fake one, he could make one. Not that he was going to tell the other two of that part, or else they might not trust him to join their schemes. He couldn’t let them down or else they might not want to hangout with him anymore.

“I’ll do it,” he said with a nod, “with all of us working together they’ll have to talk to each other.”

At least he hoped that was the case. Teamwork was about to get a lot more interesting. He wondered if he told the teachers about this plan, if it worked, if they could get extra credit for this plan or not, but right now he was going to worry about one thing at a time.

_____________________________

Yoongi had been actively looking for Seokjin periodically, while Namjoon casually talked to him from the crook of his shoulder. It was honestly a little awkward for Yoongi who wasn’t used to such a thing, but Namjoon acted like it was nothing different than the usual, trying, obviously, to make Yoongi happy.

Honestly Namjoon was too kind for his own good. A few words from Yoongi and he didn’t even care about the strange looks he was getting from others.

Apparently Suga was particularly comfortable, because soon Namjoon had practically talked himself to sleep, which made Yoongi feel even more uncomfortable, because he didn’t know what to do with his hands at that moment.

Yoongi understood why Namjoon was tired, despite being something of a morning person it took a lot of effort from Namjoon not to let his powers get the better of him. First period must have been extra difficult since he had to let some of his aura slip without losing control of his powers and it seemed like it was also hard for him to control himself around Seokjin also.

Yoongi awkwardly played with his hands until he heard a slam from the first row. Namjoon’s head bobbed for a second, while Yoongi checked him briefly before his eyes snapped over to the sound.

He could see Seokjin looking annoyed and he was glad about it. They weren’t about to come sit down next to him with such a lovely dovey atmosphere over here. Yoongi enjoyed his triumph. A part of him wanted to push it, but he was afraid of Namjoon waking up to something shocking or the Maknae’s catching him so he made sure he towed the line. He did smirk a bit as he ran his fingers through Namjoon’s hair.

Yoongi smirked when he heard Seokjin half yelling so that he could hear he couldn’t help but chuckle darkly. Seokjin and Hoseok were definitely the better people in terms of letting things go, like evil plans to get into Namjoon’s head perhaps?

“Namjoon-ah,” Yoongi said sweetly, making sure to catch Seokjin trying not to look before tickling the other boys neck so that Namjoon yawned and whined a little in his sleep.

“Yoongi-hyung five more minutes.” He mumbled before cuddling closer to him. Yoongi couldn’t have planned it better if he tried.

He could hear whispers in front of him wondering what was up with them.

‘Are they dating?’

‘What? No way!"

‘Well it is weird that Yoongi-hyung would follow anyone rather than be the leader of his own team, especially such a weakling, do you think-?”

‘Shh he can hear you.’

It was like a ripple and Yoongi was happy to see his plan unfolding so nicely. There was no way Seokjin could miss all of that.

‘Yes, Seokjin glare all you want,’ Yoongi thought as he rested his head on top of Namjoon, ‘if you want to mess with Namjoon you’re going to have to get through me first.’

Poor Namjoon had no idea what was going on as he rested comfortable in the pillow-like clothes that Suga wore. The nerves he had just felt previously drained away as he took just a short break. Yoongi would wake him up when the Maknaes arrived. Until then his friend was actually very comfortable.

----

The minute classes ended Jeon Jungkook wanted to sprint straight into the Gym and begin his important task of sitting down, but Tae and Jimin told him that running in wouldn’t work, because the Hyungs had to already be there. Jungkook was worried about the time. If they went too early then the plan would be foiled, but if they went too late they might not be able to get seats together. It was all so nerve racking. He also didn’t know what to do in between classes, though Tae and Jimin seemed right at home slowly making their way to the gym while avoiding both groups.

When they FINALLY got to the gym Jeon Jungkook ducked his head in and then out afraid he would be caught. He had seen them! Seokjin and Hoseok were on the first row to one side, but where were Yoongi and Namjoon? Ducking his head back in again he looked on the opposite side. He couldn’t see the whole thing so he zoomed into the room and hid behind one of the bleachers holding hands with Jimin and Tae so that they couldn’t be separated. Nervously he let go of their hands and tried to peek through the step part of one of the bleachers, finally seeing Yoongi at least and some person on top of him. Could it have been Namjoon?

“I think I see Yoongi-hyung and…maybe Namjoon-hyung.” Jungkook said re-latching on to the other boys hands and sprinting up as fast as he thought they could go to where Yoongi and Namjoon were, but Namjoon was…asleep?

“Hi,” he practically chirped, sitting directly next to Namjoon, he figured the only way Seokjin was going to sit next to Namjoon was if he had to separate Jungkook from him, plus no way in hell was he sitting next to Min Yoongi. In fact, he looked over at Jimin and tilted his head over towards Yoongi trying to point out that he should probably handle the eldest one since he was the best at emotions, but he clung to Taehyung to make sure the other boy didn’t go with. It also would make it harder for Seokjin to not sit in between him and Namjoon.

Jeon Jungkook looked over at Namjoon again and then frowned,

“Is Namjoon-hyung feeling okay?”

Yoongi turned his eyes to look at him and paused for a few uncomfortable minutes before he said,

“He’s tired,” Yoongi said matter-of-factly, “and shouldn’t you be sitting next to your own teammates during this class?”

Jeon Jungkook nodded back as if agreeing, before smiling and waving his arms wildly,

“Seokjin-hyung! Hoseok-hyung! I’m over here!” he beamed yelling.

Yoongi’s eyes widened in surprise at the blatant misinterpretation, as Namjoon blinked his eyes open murmering,

“Seokjin?” in question.

Yoongi looked down at Namjoon who’s eyes fluttered open and took in the Maknae’s before stretching and sitting up, arms stretching around him,

“Oh hey kids.” he said with a tired smile.

Yoongi could see his plans about to be dashed just by the kids arrival, but he was not done here,

“I get it, the kids are here so Yoongi’s time is over.” Yoongi said pretending to be hurt.

Namjoon rubbed his eyes, but shook his head,

“No of course not. Here,” Namjoon said taking Yoongi’s hand and making sure to sit lean against him, “is this okay?”

Yoongi nodded. It would have to do for now, but he was watching these kids, especially the bunny, he wouldn’t put it past any of them to ruin his plans.

Jeon Jungkook meanwhile kept smiling at his own team, enticing them over. He had to stick to the plan no matter what and it was okay because Taehyung was with him and Jimin could help Namjoon feel better and relax Yoongi. Everything was going to work out. It just had to.

 

[underoos]

With the plan decided, it was only a matter of putting it in motion. As they headed down the hall, an eager Jungkook just a step in front of Tae and Jimin, the two shared a look that resembled a half-smirk half-ecstatic grin. There was no way that this could fail. It was practically perfect, fool-proof. In no time, Seokjin and Namjoon would stop being at each other's throats and rather inseparable. Jimin hesitated. Ew, as long as he didn't walk in on them making out on the couch, now that he thought about it. Shaking his head quickly, he decided that was a worry for another time. Right now, it was plan N for Namjin. Or....Seokjoon? Huh. Seok...nam... uh, to be determined, he thought to himself, shaking his head quickly as they reached the gym doors.

Jungkook looked in and out, fast as a flash, and it nearly gave Taehyung whiplash himself. He was taking it absolutely serious, though, which filled Jimin and Taehyung with glee. A true troublemaking partner. If they could permanently convert Jungkook over to their side, that was.

They were pulled in roughly by the kid, who had a lot more strength than one might have thought, and crouched by him, letting Jungkook do recon. Too many people trying to look out at once might cause a bit of mayhem. Once again, they were pulled in a dead sprint to the bleachers, clambering up behind the eager Maknae. Students who were already situated startled at the ruckus the three of them caused, almost like a herd of horses, but none of them paid much attention. Reaching the row in which Namjoon and Yoongi sat, Taehyung finally got a look at them, just for his eyebrows to shoot up in surprise.

Yoongi wasn't a cuddly person at their dorm, and he was definitely not a cuddly person outside the dorm. Who cursed him?! First the video, and now this... something weird was going on, he thought. Jungkook plopped down directly next to Namjoon, a good move, while he effectively wrapped himself around Taehyung to keep him from moving with Jimin (which was a habit to follow the other boy). Taking a seat and dropping his bag, he leaned around Jungkook to get another look at the two cuddlers.

Jimin took his spot right next to Yoongi, kicking his feet out as Jungkook, the brilliant mind he was, called out to Seokjin and Hoseok immediately. He could see the two whip around to find their Maknae and the look of 'are you kidding me' cross over each of their faces.

On the other hand, Jimin was thinking of how to subtly pull Yoongi away. Of all the days for Yoongi to actually be nice in public, it was today?! Kind of made him feel left out. Wait-

"Hyuuuung," Jimin whined, kicking his heels against the floor in a childish manner. "Why don't you ever cuddle with me? Do you not care about me?" A low blow, but he was going to pull out the stops he could. His head was tilted down, looking like a kicked puppy with his sad eyes and pouty lips. "That's not fair..."

_____________

At the mentions of their names, Seokjin and Hoseok both turned immediately to see their bunny-smiled youngest member waving their way... right next to the same people they were ignoring.

"Nuh uh, no, no I do not think so," Seokjin said, already grabbing his bag and standing. He was planning to grab the youngest by the ear and drag him back down. He was already on edge and all these rumors that were beginning to gather up about Namjoon and Yoongi had him going insane. Who honestly cared? Not Seokjin, and he couldn't understand why anyone else would. "Fraternizing with the enemy... what does he think he's doing? I would yell at him from here but I don't want to strain my voice-"

Hoseok grabbed his wrist, eyes flicking to the group of heroes at the top that had started to gather together. "Don't you think storming up there is just going to embarrass him- and you?"

"Me?!" Seokjin asked, an offended expression crossing his face. "I wouldn't embarrass myself!"

But by the looks that he was getting from the others around him, he kind of was. Clenching his jaw, he looked back up at the group, glaring specifically at Yoongi on his way, before stamping his foot and groaning. "I'm going to get Jungkook, and then I'm coming right back down here."

Hoseok raised his hand helpfully. "And I'm coming with because I don't want you to cause any damage." Seokjin in a bad mood was enough trouble. Being as belligerent as he was meant there would be a whole other level of crazy Seokjin showing himself and no one needed that at the moment.

It seemed Seokjin didn't hear him as he started weaving his way through students to the bleacher stairs, marching his way up to where the group sat. With a not-so-subtle sarcastic, sweet smile in the direction of the other group, he shoved Jungkook aside and sat down in between him and Namjoon. His back was to Namjoon, who had woken up and was currently still leaning against Yoongi, hands held. Gross. They needed to learn that being romantic in public was gross. Nasty. And... and Jungkook didn't need to be influenced but hem.

Which is why he hissed to him, "Jungkook, get up. We should go sit down there-" But Taehyung, the ever so helpful brat kid piped up.

"Jungkook was going to sit with us today! We're friends and we thought it would be good for him to sit around us, since we're in a lot of classes. He needs friends, after all, and this is the best way to get aqcuainted with him!"

Seokjin's smile turned just a tad more fake, trying to cover the frustration rising. Honestly, couldn't he just grab Jungkook and dash?"Oh. Great. Well, I really can't see all the way from up here, so I need Jungkook to come down with Hoseok and I-"

But Hoseok had already gone onto the bleacher above them and come around to sit next to Jimin, plopping down and leaning back with his hands splayed behind him like he belonged there. A safe distance away, since Yoongi was only a few feet over and he didn't want to attract more attention than necessary. He was content with blending in.

 

[Arabella Cauwell]

Yoongi wasn’t sure what level of karma he had messed with, but whatever it was, it wasn’t good, and things had been going so well before the mischief makers arrived. Suga had been doing a great job of convincing others he was with Namjoon until they showed up and if he wasn’t mistaken was Jimin using his move? Guilting him into cuddling with him.

It wasn’t that Yoongi didn’t want to. While he enjoyed his personal space he had always felt a special bond with his teammates, Jimin especially since he was actually even smaller than Yoongi was and plain adorable, for all he could be a terror. Suga was stuck in between needing Seokjin to think that Namjoon was special to Yoongi and not wanting to sadden Jimin. He paused in his actions to think as Namjoon, who was a little more awake by now leaned over and patted Jimin on the lap,

“Suga-hyung has had a pretty tough day and he expressed to me that he felt that I loved you and Taehyung more than him, so I am assuring him that isn’t true and that I love you all the same. I’m sure he’d be very happy if you show him love too.” Namjoon explained to Jimin and Yoongi wasn’t sure if that made it better or worse.

Yoongi was very grateful that Seokjin and Hoseok were not up to them yet during this conversation, but he had half a mind to throw Jungkook down the benches too them if he didn’t go, but even he wasn’t quite willing to cross that line, besides Jungkook’s baby face would probably haunt him if he so much as tried and that would definitely have caused Seokjin to snap in a chain of events Suga couldn’t even imagine.

“Of course I care about you Jimin,” Yoongi started, not believing how ridiculous his day was becoming, “Tell you what. Right now is Namjoon’s cuddle time okay, but tonight if you want we will cuddle at the dorm okay?”

Seriously, where was the Yoongi he had been this morning? These damn maknae’s had him wrapped around their finger, but he wasn’t giving up his evil plot that easily, although he may have to avoid looking at Jimin if this kept up.
_____________

Jungkook knew the look that Seokjin was giving him and he was going to really have to work to not make it obvious. Seokjin was ticked off and Jungkook was half afraid that he would be literally dragged off, so he dug his feet into the space before him and half climbed into Taehyung’s lap to stop it. But to his surprise instead of dragging him off right away he actually shoved Jungkook more into Taehyung, but faced him.

Then Seokjin told him to get up and it was a little hard not to comply, not because Jin was using his powers on him, but because Jeon did like to be good. He looked over at Taehyung for support and smiled when Tae stood up for him. Nodding, Jungkook picked up the subtle hints he got from Tae’s statement and nodded, he waited for Seokjin to make some excuses before using the older boy’s pause of confusion in order to make his attack. He gently reaching over, grabbing Seokjin’s sleeve and rocking it as he said,

“You and Hoseok-hyung aren’t in focusing 101 for first period and I was all alone while you guys were in your first class and Taehyung and Jimin were so nice to me that I couldn’t turn them down. Don’t you always say that I should be kind and make friends?”

Jungkook looked over at Jimin and started to feel competitive, if he could cause Yoongi to falter even slightly, then Jungkook had to get Seokjin to cave. He sighed and let go of Tae’s arm, looking down on the floor like he had been scolded,

“But I guess if it really upsets you I can just go back to being alone in class…” Jungkook said looking sad.

He paused for a few seconds for effect, before turning to look at Seokjin and saying,

“Why don’t people my age like me?” he pouted.

Of course, this was a pretty big lie, Jungkook was more picky than they were, but Seokjin didn’t know that. And Jungkook knew that Seokjin was lying about not being able to see,

“But Seokjin-hyung, Namjoon-hyung can see and you have better eyes than him.” Jungkook pointed out, hoping the compliment would derail Seokjin’s attempt at escape.

He smiled at Hoseok who was helpfully sitting next to Jimin. Hoseok looked a little worse for wear. Jungkook would have liked for him to have sit closer so he could ask why and make sure everything was alright, but for now he would have to be content with mouthing,

‘Are you okay?’ to the older boy and waiting for a response, while making sure his face was sympathetic to Seokjin.

---

Namjoon for his part was quite surprised when Seokjin came up and sat down in between him and…what used to be Jungkook sitting there. Namjoon had barely registered why Jungkook had come and there Seokjin was. He rubbed his eyes making sure it wasn’t a dream. Honestly it wasn’t a crazy thought what with a clingy Suga, surprise Jeon Jungkook attached to Tae, Hoseok laying comfortably a foot from Suga, and Seokjin sitting right next to him in a class about Teamwork.

But after a self inflicted pinch he realized that he wasn’t actually dreaming and that was actually real life, which was apparently getting a bit crazy. Feeling a bit more awake as time passed Namjoon listened to Jungkook’s words and felt bad for the poor kid. He would feel bad if Tae or Jimin had been left alone by themselves to deal with a rivalry they inherited from the elders of the group. He had never tried to restrict Jimin and Tae’s friendship, irreguardless of personal matters and he was proud that his maknaes hadn’t let prejudice of others cloud their own personal judgment. That part of them was quite mature and Namjoon was proud. But it wasn’t like they could split up in this class, it was after all called Teamwork. He glanced over at Hoseok, who looked about done as well. There was no easy answer, but to accept it graciously,

“You’re more than welcome to join us for this class, in the spirit of cooperation.” Namjoon offered.

But Yoongi was not having it. Had his friends tiredness turned him crazy? Why on earth would he say such a thing? Seokjin and his group couldn’t be trusted. Why was his own team losing their minds?

And that bunny was definitely suspicious.

Fine if that was how everyone wanted to play it, he could play that way too. If Namjoon wouldn’t do his job then Suga would, and make at least Seokjin the least comfortable he could.

“It’s fine if you want to stay, but just don’t forget who’s yours and who’s mine.” Yoongi said before pulling Namjoon closer to his side.

Namjoon raised a brow, not sure why Suga would think there would be a group mix up. There were only four on one team and three on the other, but he didn’t question it as Suga seemed to be going through a hard day emotionally…then again Hoseok looked a bit worse for wear as well. Could there be something in the air perhaps? He wondered as Yoongi nuzzled his neck.

Yep, he was absolutely going to be running some tests when they were back at the dorms, since almost no one was acting normal…at least for them.

 

[underoos]

Since Jimin had no idea of everything that was going on (as in, he didn't know 85% and the real reason why Yoongi was looking for cuddles from Namjoon), he gave into the logic that Namjoon provided. If his hyung really was having as bad a day as Namjoon said, then he wouldn't get in the way of it, though he was hoping that he could have slowly pried them away from each other. It would have made conversation a whole lot easier.

Looks like their foolproof plan wasn't quite so, uh, foolproof.

But Taehyung and Jimin were adaptable, and surely Jungkook was too and would follow their lead. One little setback wasn't going to ruin their attempts at getting the two groups to live in harmony. After all, Jungkook never backed down from a challenge, and Jimin sure as hell wasn't going to watch them fight any longer. Enough was enough and he was determined to keep all their efforts from going down the drain!

As a reply to Yoongi's promise, his pout depended a little bit more, still playing the 'sad child' role, and held out a pinky finger to Yoongi. "Only if you promise me, hyung. And if you pinky promise, then you can't break it, meaning that you have to cuddle with me tonight." The sad face didn't ease up, waiting patiently for the promise to come. If it did, then he would move on, ready to execute the next part of their plan. Though, a sly thought crossed his mind, "And I think Tae-Tae is feeling left out too. Look at him, all the way over there. I think you need to spend some time with him too, Hyung." He knew Taehyung would probably be pouting later if Jimin and Yoongi were together, sulking around until he found Namjoon and wormed his way into convincing him to stop what he was doing and hug him.

Honestly, how did the hyungs ever deal with them? Jimin would hate himself. ...Good thing he didn't have to.

__________________

Oh, god, no no no. There it was. The look that Jungkook could pull and make Seokjin feel like the guiltiest person on the planet, even if he wasn't in the wrong. He could be scolding Jungkook for pulling a crazy stunt and getting himself hurt because of his tendencies to go too far and become too competitive, but once that look was pulled out, all things went out the door. It was like Seokjin couldn't deny him anything, and for that, he always cursed the youngest for knowing his weakness.

His weakness would never be another villain, or another person's powers.

It was always Jeon Jungkook and his sad little baby face.

Turning his head away and pursing his lips, Seokjin knew he couldn't deny him. It would be cruel, first off, to tear him away from his only friends. He really needed to teach him some tricks of making friends... And secondly, even if he ignored the youngest and dragged him off, he'd only listen to him whine or, by the looks of it, start crying, which was a rare thing for Jungkook to do. But really, how could he deny him anything? But he wasn't going to leave Jungkook alone. He had an instinct deep within him, wanting to protect the youngest from who he saw as a threat, such as the other team who had nothing but bad things up their sleeves. Which is why he had planted himself firmly next to Namjoon in order to keep a little space between him and Jungkook.

...What was a little time sitting next to Namjoon, anyway? As long as the boy didn't touch him, as long as Yoongi didn't talk, look, or breathe in his direction, and as long as the other two youngest didn't try to influence Kook in any sort of bad way, then it was fine. Yeah, everything would be great.

"Fine," he said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I won't make you go. But I'm not leaving. So scoot over, I'm not sitting in anyone's lap." Though it seemed Jungkook had practically been shoved in Taehyung's, who didn't seem to mind if the hand on Kook's waist to keep him balanced was any indicator. "Move over," he said to Taehyung, who barely had any room on the edge of the bleacher but complied anyways, just glad that their plan had (semi) worked thus far.

Seokjin wrapped an arm around Jungkook's waist under the guise that he was trying to stick close to the younger and as far away from Namjoon as he could. If he abandoned personal space and got close to him, then he could put more space between himself and Namjoon. It was a good excuse and Jungkook owed him, so any complaints would be met with a stern look from Seokjin in reply.

Hoseok, on the other hand, was watching from where he sat just a little ways away. His mouth was in a thin smile, wondering how the hell things got as crazy as they were. Yoongi cuddling Namjoon, Seokjin willingly (or unwillingly) sitting next to Namjoon, Jungkook guilt tripping Seokjin- no, okay, that was a normal one, he thought in amusement as he watched Jungkook's eyes get sad and his shoulders dip in on themselves to really sell the act. He wanted to stay where he was, that was for sure, but Hoseok had a feeling it might have been more than just because he made some friends. Hm... he'd have to ask him about it later. Jungkook usually responded well to some tasty food, so there was his bargaining chip.

He noticed Jungkook's mouth moved and could tell the words for what they were.

He was alright, yeah. Tired, kind of weirded out, but... yeah, yeah. Okay. He raised one hand in a discreet 'ok' sign to the youngest with a signature Hobi smile, hoping to appease any concern he might have had. They just had to make it through the rest of the day.

Taehyung, on the other hand, was a little disappointed by the claim that Jin had set on Jungkook. Not that he wanted to wind himself around the youngest... no, actually, he kind of did, since Jimin was on the other side of the group and there was no one for him to wrap his arms around, or what not. So with a sad sigh, he pursed his lips and settled for leaning against Jungkook's shoulder, hoping that Seokjin wouldn't notice and tug Jungkook closer. It seemed he was one edge and that made the whole thing a little harder to predict... of course, it wasn't like they got along in the first place, but Seokjin was a lot more aggressive that day.

Snarky insults disguised as flirtatious comments were usually more his style, paired with a wink, rather than flat out glaring and making condesending remarks. Something didn't add up.

When Namjoon spoke up, it nearly caused Jin to jump, his arm winding tighter around the youngest. It seemed it was becoming less of protection and more a lifeline for himself. "I'm not here for cooperation," Seokjin said without facing Namjoon's way. "I'm only here because Jungkook wants to sit by his friends and I'm not letting him sit by a certain type of people alone. Don't think this is me trying to be friends, or me letting Jungkook be your friend either." Only the youngest, who Seokjin seemed wary of too.

Yoongi seemed to have more to say. Under his breath, Jin mumbled, "I'll show you what's yours you annoying little piece of-" as his nose crinkled, clear distaste for the younger man who was making it obvious that he was trying to 'claim' Namjoon. Wasn't like he wanted anyone that was 'Yoongi's anyways. Who was he, thinking that Seokjin was going to steal the other members? They were annoying, keeping him stuck up there with the two people he really didn't want to be by. The things he did for Jungkook, honestly. He could have been avoiding all of this by sitting on the first bench, with his friends, enjoying the class.

Now he was going to be on edge until they could get away from them.

 

[Arabella Cauwell]

Yoongi turned his face towards Jimin as he threw one arm over Namjoon, making sure that that the other didn’t get any closer to Seokjin while he was facing Jimin. Yoongi could tell that his lie about needing cuddles was definitely going to be biting him in the ass this time around. He was not going to get personal space at this rate until about a week from now if he was lucky at this rate. But he couldn’t deny Jimin so holding in a huff he lifted his pinky and hooked it around Jimin’s,

“I pinky promise that we will cuddle tonight back at the dorms,” Suga said as if he were pledging his allegiance to something, he was definitely not getting out of this one, but he’d feel more comfortable and it would be more enjoyable away from prying eyes…he just wondered if Jimin was going to use this to demand a sleepover. He and Namjoon listened about Tae and looked at each other before nodding, “Does that mean you are fine sharing your cuddling time with Tae, or-”

Namjoon tilted his head considering it,

“Maybe I should make a schedule for Yoongi-cuddling tonight,” he mused, completely serious as Suga blinked at him.

“Maybe we are looking at this wrong, Tae hasn’t expressed wanting or needing to cuddle with me persay. Maybe he prefers to cuddle with you or Jimin?” Suga questioned, since Tae hadn’t expressed his own opinion about it.

But Jimin and Tae were absolutely cuddlers. Jimin was practically a Koala if you asked Yoongi. They seemed to need physical touch to affirm that people still loved them and they were safe. Yoongi just liked to visually see them, although even he couldn’t deny them when they really needed it. Although he had totally foisted them off on Namjoon before.

“No one should feel left out. We have to all do our best as a team to look out for each others wants and needs.” Namjoon said aloud.

Yoongi would normally have snorted, but with Seokjin next to him he crooked his finger under Namjoon’s chin and seductively whispered,

“So you’ll be taking care of my needs at some point tonight Joonie?” he questioned, making sure Seokjin could hear it.

Namjoon didn’t sense the seduction in his hyung’s voice, too preoccupied by the words as he answered with a smile,

“Of course Hyung, we all can.”

Even Yoongi had to blink at the horror of that thought, but he shook his head. He supposed Seokjin might be more likely to avoid them in the future if he thought they were all something. At least he hoped so.
__________________

Namjoon could sense tension on the side of him that had Seokjin. He wanted to try to dispel it, but he could afford to get too close to the other boy. The statement Seokjin made about not sitting in anyones lap caused him to imagine Jin on his lap and his face was a little flushed so he looked over at Suga to clear it for a few seconds before turning back.

He watched as Jungkook scrambled to make more room for Seokjin, clearly delighted that they could stay. The youngest even pecked Seokjin on the cheek as a reward for making him happy, or so it seemed anyway. So once again Namjoon was near Seokjin and this time the whole group was around. At least the Maknae’s could play damage control if need be.

Namjoon was a little amused by Jungkook being sandwiched in between Seokjin and Taehyung, but it was funny how different it looked. Seokjin looked like he was a mother hawk guarding her egg and Tae looked like someone was trying to take his favorite teddy bear. Jungkook didn’t seem to mind to much, or at least he didn’t complain about it anyway. Then Jungkook did something funny that Namjoon wasn’t sure how to interpret and which would make Seokjin, should he continue leaning as he was, have a faceful of Taehyung.

---

Jeon Jungkook had not minded when Seokjin had practically covered him and Tae had gotten closer to him, but when he glanced over to see that Tae was so close to the edge, he felt bad and didn’t want the other boy to fall off. So he came up with a plan to fix that, although Seokjin might not like it so much. But the point was to get him closer to Namjoon not himself, and so Jeon Jungkook turned to face Taehyung, hooked his arms under the other boys legs and back and pulled him straight onto his lap.

Now Taehyung was sitting in his lap and Seokjin had a weaker position on him, but Jungkook was not poking the bear so he pre-empted any statement from either of them with,

“I didn’t want him to fall,” Pointing to the edge of the bleachers, “since you don’t want to be in anyones lap this is probably the best way.”

Now Taehyung had a better position for cuddling and Seokjin was not pushed off, but would have a bit of an awkward angle if he continued.

Jungkook was glad that Hoseok gave him the okay sign, but he was also used to Hoseok going with the flow and hiding when something was actually bothering him. Hoseok internalized a lot, but from his position he couldn’t do or get much right now so he vowed to talk to him back at the dorms to just make sure. He sent the other boy an okay back for now, but had no plans of that being the end of it.

As he was turning back he heard Seokjin snapping at Namjoon without looking at him and he sighed. It was funny, because Seokjin would totally have chewed him out if he had talked to anyone like that. But Jungkook had to tread a thin line. He couldn’t afford for Seokjin to get angry at him or else the game could be over, but he also should try to continue his role. So he made sure his face was innocent as he questioned Tae loud enough for Seokjin to hear it,

“Isn’t cooperation good? That’s what part of this class is about right?” he questioned, making sure not to direct it at Seokjin so that he couldn’t get in trouble, “as heroes sometimes we’ll have to cooperate with all different types of people and teams right?”

---

Namjoon for his part was a little relieved and a little disappointed by Seokjin’s statements. He also wasn’t sure why Seokjin wasn’t looking at him when they were arguing. That was odd, because Seokjin normally locked in on a person when he was pissed. It was good that Seokjin was still trying to keep a distance. Suga and Namjoon couldn’t afford the other boy getting so close. But it still hurt Namjoon to hear personally, as he knew he had stronger feelings for the other than he should. He didn’t know what the ‘certain type of people’ remark was and it hurt, but Namjoon decided to internalize it, he wouldn’t normally allow someone to say that of his friends, but of himself he could accept it, even if it came from the beautiful Seokjin. Jungkook, in his innocence, also had a valid point. The class they were in was supposed to be all about working together, mostly in ones own team, but in the field you never knew when you had to team up with others or answer to them. Still he didn’t think his two cents would help the situation so he said,

“Alright, alright I hear you. It’s not like Yoongi and I are trying to be your friends either. Let’s just be civil for the maknaes sake.” He said continuing to try to be reasonable although he was still annoyed that he was mostly getting the back of Seokjin’s head, meanwhile when Seokjin snapped at Yoongi it was to his face. That did bother Namjoon. What the hell was that about?

---

Yoongi smiled at Seokjin’s snap back. He didn’t care that Seokjin was calling him names. If anything he relished the fact. He was happy to anger and annoy the other student. In fact, he was more than fine with pushing the boundaries as well,

“Oh you don’t have to show me, I’m quite good at knowing and seeing what’s mine.” Yoongi said, reaching for the bottom of Namjoon’s shirt and lifting it up ever so slightly so that only a peek of abs could be seen.

“Hyung!” Namjoon had protested, cheeks reddening, not at the implication, because he just wasn’t picking that up, but at the fact that Seokjin could have seen some of his stomach.

Yoongi chuckled darkly,

“Don’t worry Namjoon you look great,” he chided, “I was just feeling briefly generous.”

He leaned over Namjoon a little with a predatorial smirk,

“You can look a little, but don’t touch. That should be easy for you considering you’re here on protest, right?”

Yoongi was somewhat enjoying messing with Seokjin, but he was still watching the line. He didn’t want Seokjin to snap or anything, but he really did enjoy teasing him, especially since Namjoon had no idea what was going on and thus feeding into it.

Namjoon frowned, confused as to why Yoongi thought Seokjin wanted to touch him. He also didn’t think it was tactful for Yoongi to lean so close to the other boy so he gently pushed Yoongi to the other side,

“Yoongi be nice and stay on this side.”

“Whatever you wish Joonie.” Suga said allowing the push and pulling Namjoon’s head back onto his shoulder.

---

Applause erupted all over the stadium as todays teachers walked out onto the floor. It was the heroic team of TVXQ, Mr. Jung Yunho and Mr. Shim Changmin. They were fairly renown superheros known for their great teamwork. Yoongi figured it couldn’t be that hard though, when there were only two of them in the first place, but Teamwork was taught by various teams, each with something to say about it.

“Hello Students, I’m Mr. Shim also known as Mr. Max if you prefer and this is Mr. Jung or Mr.Yunho, we are your first Teamwork 101 professors and also your main professors for this class. There will be plenty of teams with their own way of teaching, but we will be your most frequent and also the ones who will compile your grades.”

Mr. Jung Yunho nodded, looking like he was getting pumped up. It was obvious to Yoongi as well as Namjoon how this class was going to go. Mr. Shim was likely to be the lecturer, being the obviously more calm and rational one, and Mr. Jung was going to be in charge of demonstrations.

Namjoon was tense just imagining the demonstrations. It was going to be hard hiding his powers without giving his team a disadvantage, but he had a note from the principle excusing him, and he knew he could at least help with strategy.

“Are you all ready to learn what it takes to be a hero!” Mr. Jung said, sending a huge roar of applause throughout the crowd, he really did know how to inspire enthusiasm.

Mr. Shim gave Mr. Jung a look before snapping his fingers loudly, drawing attention back to him. He didn’t mind being considered ‘the guy next to Yunho, but he knew if the other got too excited there would be no lecture portion of the class,

“Let’s start with the lecture first. Every team is going to have a different situation, because each team is different. In number, in personalities, in powers, in everything. In fact, the more people involved the more chaotic things can get. Some personalities mix well with each other and some don’t, but sometimes those that don’t might have compatible powers or might be needed depending on the task at hand. That’s why the first class we’ve decided today’s class is going to be on cooperation.”

Huge banner like screens unfurled around the room, showcasing the word Cooperation in big blocky letters.

“Sometimes you are going to be put together with teams that you don’t want to work with, other times you will luck out and either team up with friends or people you are more compatible with. Sometimes you may even find yourself teamed up incompatibly. We’ve taking the liberty of talking with your former and current teachers this time in order to pair you with people that at least one or two team members dislike. Sometimes this was easy and sometimes we just had to guess because it was impossible.”

Mr. Jung nodded as Mr. Shim added,

“Let’s face it you are all working to be heroes. Sometimes you may be fighting enemies and sometimes you may be fighting friends, which we will get into in your next lesson. But this time around you have to work on teamwork that includes people you may not like or even hate. The point is that cooperation is sometimes key to saving someone, or even to saving the world. No one can save the world alone and it’s up to us with powers to do not only do the right thing, but also sacrifice our pride and our own issues for the greater good.”

“So without further ado, the list of teams you’ll be working with and up against!” Mr. Jung said pointing upward to the bannered screens as they changed to show the team names and verses.

Jungkook was the first one to smile and start clapping around Taehyung’s waist, when he saw who they were with. It seemed that fate agreed with the maknaes,

“Awesome!” he said sending a smile to Jimin and then one up to Tae on his lap, then so that Seokjin couldn't get mad at him he looked at his hyung quite seriously and said, "learning is always awesome. But if you don't want me to learn cooperation I won't."

Yoongi and Namjoon would severely have to disagree, but Yoongi was at least satisfied that he could give Seokjin another dig,

"Well you might want to tell one of the teachers that you're not going to be in class, since you're not here for cooperation." he snickered.

 

[underoos]

Jimin clapped his hands excitedly at the prospect of a schedule. "Joonie-hyung, that's actually really clever. Then Yoongi-hyung will never feel unloved again! Tae always needs someone to hang onto, Hyung, so of course he needs to be involved. Or else he'll complain the whole time and that'll be ten times worse, I'm telling you." He nodded confidently, to solidify his point, and smiled innocently at his two hyungs. He turned to look at Taehyung and Jungkook, both of whom were looking at Seokjin (who had his back turned), and nearly missed the interaction between Yoongi and Namjoon.

Woah, woah... hold on. That was intimate, what Yoongi just did, and there was no way that the two of them were dating. He and Tae would know. It was so obvious to them that they were primarily friends and definitely not anything more, so Jimin stared with confusion in his gaze before looking toward Taehyung again. Too bad he couldn't quite grab his attention. They needed to convene and talk about this new development. There had to be a reason for this.

Seokjin barely moved at the sultry suggestion that had been aimed at Namjoon. How dare they- and around the maknaes, too?! Taking care of his needs- gah! Seokjin blinked hard, trying to get the thought away from himself. That was awful. And it was clear Yoongi was kicking it up a few notches with Seokjin around, trying to gross him out or make him walk away. Kim Seokjin wasn't going to be scared away by some stupid, gross comments. No, it would take a lot more than that.

Namjoon's reply had him nearly choking, having to take a moment to process. All of them?! What the hell- no, no way. That- oh, god. He sincerely hoped that didn't mean what he thought it did. He looked at the ground, trying to get a hold on himself as his hand tightened its grip in Jungkook's shirt.

Taehyung, on the other hand, was still pressed into Jungkook, disappointed at the loss of his friend from his arms. It'd been quite comfortable, too, before Seokjin had all but rammed them to the side and left Tae on the edge. He wouldn't complain, though, because that was the whole point of their plan was to get Jin and Joon together. Too bad Seokjin didn't plan to look at him any time soon, if the way he curled over Jungkook was any indicator. Lines in his face showed how angry he was, but his eyes looked a little hurt beyond the amount of frustration held. Hard to see if you weren't as prone to noticing others as he was.

He wasn't sure what Seokjin could have been offended by, or if it was making him mad, but he didn't have much time to think about it since hands clasped his legs and shifted him onto another lap. With a surprised hum, his arms came up to steady himself, one wrapping around the shoulders of Jungkook. Oh, this was much nicer than hanging off of the seat's edge, he thought pleasantly to himself. "Oh, hello, Jungkookie," he said with a bright, boxy smile.

Seokjin wasn't as pleased, leaning back immediately to avoid smacking his head into Taehyung's. Looking at Jungkook sharply, he sighed at the logic. He should have gathered Jungkook up into his lap first; it would have preoccupied him and given him a reason to avoid looking in the direction of the others on his other side. Dammit. He wasn't as tightly wound around his kid now, which mean he had to lean back, closer to Namjoon. The space between them was still a few inches, but with how close everyone was on the bleacher, if either of them moved to the side then their arms would touch. And with Taehyung now happily situated and Jungkook looking like he wasn't going to move any closer to the side, he was stuck. Looks like Seokjin wasn't moving.

"Ahh, you're so smart, Kook-ah," Taehyung said, booping Jungkook's nose lightly. "Cooperation is good, and can help us work through our differences and become better people. And even make friends, once we let go of whatever is holding us back." He resisted the urge to look at the hyungs, instead smiling again at Jungkook. "Hopefully that works here, too. I can't wait to work and become better friends with you, and your group, too!"

_____

Civil. Namjoon wanted to be civil. He could do that, so long as Yoongi would shut up and stay in his lane. Which seemed hard for him to do as he kept leaning around Namjoon and making comments. How angry would Yoongi get if Seokjin commanded him to shut up? Eh... probably very angry. That was out of the cards. Duct tape might work, though, he daydreamed as he let his fingers massage into Jungkook's arm without thinking about it, still facing the two next to him. He really did treat Jungkook like his kid; he scolded him, he praised him, he took care of him and fed him and made sure that he was safe and loved. It was the least he could do, after all, since he wanted to help guide the kid who had taken up a spot on his team.

And being just a little less hostile could also be a good thing, and a good lesson, for him to show his youngest. Yeah, he could be civil.

Until Yoongi lifted Namjoon's shirt, the sliver of tanned skin showing, and Seokjin had to stop himself from flinching. His ears turned red, a classic sign of embarrassment that nearly no one saw ever, and he hesitated, trying not to look so flustered by the fact that he had just briefly seen more skin than he would have liked, but at the 'generosity' of Yoongi. His fingers that were massaging into Jungkook's bicep instead curled around tighter.

But soon the scowl was back, huffing as he said, "Yeah, listen to Namjoon and be a good dog now, Yoongi," He watched as Namjoon pushed him back, unable to help but think of him as a dog again as he was told to back down. "You're a little too aggressive there, buddy. I don't want to touch your toy anyway."

He glared at him before turning away, tucking himself back into Jungkook while avoiding getting too close to Taehyung. The hurt that had been there before seemed to only fuel his anger, but Jungkook was the one thing keeping him at bay.

Seokjin watched as their teachers appeared, though he wasn't listening as closely as he should have. They spoke, garnering the attention of everyone nearby, but Seokjin was letting having Jungkook in his hold keep him calm. The class was just going to be like normal, facing off someone random. There was no way, out of the groups that were there, that they would get paired up with Namjoon's group. As in, had to be impossible. Too bad he hadn't listened to Mr. Jung state they would face off people they disliked.

The banners changed and there was sound all around him as people got excited, including Jungkook himself. Raising his gaze, confused to what Jungkook could have meant, he paled as he read the banner. They had to be tricking kidding. No, no way. He whipped his head around to stare at Yoongi, who just couldn't help himself by getting in another snarky comment.

"Keep laughing and I'll make sure to wipe that grin off your face," Seokjin snapped. He loved Jungkook, but he couldn't handle any more of Yoongi's taunting before he launched himself over Namjoon at him. He wasn't a violent guy; with a pretty face like his, he preferred to charm others into his bidding, after all. On the other hand, he couldn't charm anyone naturally and he sure as hell wasn't going to bring out his powers and give Yoongi any more reason to hate him, even though he was really debating telling Yoongi to go eat a sock or something.

Taehyung's hand quickly caught his wrist before Seokjin could think about storming out or otherwise. The serious look that remained on Jungkook's face had him faltering, along with Taehyung's innocent little smile.

Dammit. He was doing this for them. Just for the younger ones.

 

[Arabella Cauwell]

Yoongi could feel his free, personal space time slipping through his fingers. He didn’t feel unloved, it had all been a ploy, but he was definitely going to pay for the lie. He could tell from Namjoon and Jimin’s optimist. Taehyung hadn’t heard about it yet, but it was only a matter of time, before he was involved. Karma had given him a swift kick for his lie. He would have to tolerate such a schedule for a short time at least, until he could distract the maknaes at least. Namjoon wouldn’t forget persay, but he had a lot of duties as leader so there was no way he could continually hang off of Yoongi or vice versa, and if Yoongi didn’t speak up about it, he’d probably fall back into old habits. He could only hope that Jimin and Taehyung followed suit after a while.

Namjoon smiled, glad that Jimin was being his usual angelic, helpful self. He couldn’t give Yoongi all of his time, or tons of time due to his own responsibilities and his fears of hurting others with his touch, but Jimin and Taehyung were great at those kinds of things, so he could ease his hurt feeling of lack of love, though it did bother Namjoon that he hadn’t noticed Yoongi’s feelings until he actually said it,

“No one should feel unloved on our team,” Namjoon said with a nod, “if anyone ever has something that their upset about everyone should be able to talk it through. I think it’s best if we have team meetings, at least once a week at the dorm so that everyone has a chance to air out their problems and concerns and really feel heard.”

Yoongi’s eyes widened,

“I don’t think that’s necessary-” he began.

“No Suga-hyung, it bothers me that you had to keep that in for so long before talking to me. I hate to think of how hurt you must have been, how ignored you must have felt when I gave attention to the maknae’s but not to you. I was such a bad friend and leader not to notice.”

And now Yoongi was feeling guilty,

“No Namjoon, it wasn’t THAT bad. In fact, now that I’ve had some attention I think I’m over it. See no need to feel bad or change any schedules. Everything is fine.”

Namjoon looked into Yoongi’s eyes sadly, shook his head and then moved one arm to rub soothing circles on his back,

“I know it’s hard for you to come out and say what you feel sometimes, but you don’t have to feel bad about it. I’m glad that you felt comfortable enough to come to me with this. I know how much you hate showing your emotions and this was a big step. Don’t go back into your shell Yoongi-hyung, even if it’s hard its important to face these things. I appreciate that you want to be strong for us, but you don’t have to always be.”

What the hell was Yoongi supposed to say to that? He let out a sigh, deciding he might as well enjoy annoying Seokjin since it was clearly going to have a lot of repercussions.

For now he looked away as Namjoon continued,

“Actually I think this is good, who knows if there’s something we are missing from the maknaes and I suppose I should be more open too. See hyung you’re opening the door for everyone to air out their emotions and feelings. You are also teaching them emotional strength because if someone as strong as you has these feelings, then the younger ones can see that having emotions are okay and that you can be strong with them.”

Damn Namjoon and his stupid logic. Yoongi really couldn’t turn it down now. Trying to hide a growl of frustration he let out,

“Fine, we can have weekly meetings then and if Taehyung definitely wants time with me then of course he needs to be included in this schedule, but I will still need some time to myself occasionally as I do my best thinking alone.” Suga offered.

He sincerely hoped that Jimin and Tae would have their time together so that he can get some breaks, but he wasn’t sure how that would work. He really hoped Namjoons scheduale didn’t come off as a babysitting schedule.

Namjoon was a bit confused as to why Yoongi needed space and comfort, but he wanted to give his group what they needed so he nodded, taking out a notebook and starting to come up with a plan, listing what he knew of the needs of the other members. This is how he ended up only really hearing the words people were saying for a bit, rather than catching the connotation. Then again he might not have caught on had he been fully involved considering he couldn’t even imagine Yoongi flirting with anyone, let alone him. He had never thought of Yoongi in that way, not even once out of curiosity even.

__

Jungkook for his part thought that Yoongi’s face looked a bit evil, but he didn’t really get what the older boy was saying. It must have been bad though, since Seokjin had tightened his grip on his shirt. Jungkook blinked owlishly wondering if Seokjin was alright,

“Are you okay, hyung?” he questioned innocently, before deciding that questioning the statement, although he was afraid to ask Seokjin directly in case it was really bad so he looked at Taehyung and whispered, “is it bad to take care of your friend’s needs?”

Jungkook smiled back at Taehyung,

“Hi Tae-Tae.” Jungkook said using one of the older boy’s nicknames, happy to be getting the others attention.

Jungkook liked having Taehyung in his lap. For one thing it meant that he didn’t have to look like a baby if the idea came up in any of the others minds, and for another it made him feel strong to hold someone older than him. It was really easy to do with Tae or Jimin since they didn’t get offended because of his age and actually really liked skinship. He also really enjoyed being praised so when Taehyung called him smart he grinned self-satisfied, listening to the words with a pleasant feeling in his stomach,

“Cooperation sounds awesome!”

--

Namjoon could feel the heat from Seokjin’s body just sitting there close to him. Suddenly the other boy was closer to him and it was making it hard for Namjoon to focus. He was trying to make out a workable schedule for Yoongi’s sake, but he was hyper aware of the very dangerous boy to his right side instead.

He listened to Taehyung speak and couldn’t help but agree with the boy, although that would be quite difficult due to Namjoon’s power and Seokjin’s for that matter. He didn’t want to be the one to dash the hopes of the maknae’s though so he let it go for the moment.


--

Fingers massaged into Jungkook’s arms as if his hyung was on automatic. Jungkook worked out so it wasn’t much of a problem, in fact it felt a little good, but he wasn’t sure why it was happening out of nowhere. And when it tightened he was even more confused. His hyung seemed tense and confused, so shouldn’t Jungkook be massaging him instead?

He wondered what he could do to help, but soon saw Seokjin’s ears begin to turn red. Surprised Jungkook reached out and ran his fingers over them,

“Hyung are you okay?” he questioned, leaning his head on Tae’s shoulder as he spoke, but soon he was surprised by the venom in Seokjin’s words.

In fact, he even let out a gasp looking at Seokjin in shock. Why was his hyung so angry he was calling Yoongi a dog? Seokjin was supposed to be the one who was too mature for that. He didn’t like when Jungkook was fresh like that, so why was he showing Jungkook that now. It was so confusing that he wanted to fix the words somehow. And the best statement for a shapeshifter who wanted to keep the peace was,

“I can be a dog.”
____

Yoongi didn’t take the bait. Normally he might have, but he was relishing the clear effect he was having on Seokjin with Namjoon none the wiser. Namjoon frowned, clearly ready to defend Yoongi like usual, but Yoongi held his finger up against the others lips indicating that Namjoon didn’t have to speak, he was clearly planning on handling this himself.

“If I’m a dog I’m more like a mad dog, so you’d better what out before you get bitten Seokjinnie,” he said making sure to avoid calling the other hyung pointedly being rude, “what can I say, I don’t like other dogs sniffing around what’s mine. Beside I'm fine with being a dog as long as Namjoon gives me the reward.”

Yoongi heard Seokjin’s youngest say he could be a dog and let out a laugh,

“More like a puppy.”

Namjoon was very confused about Seokjin and Yoongi’s conversation. It was like they were talking in a different language. He hadn’t liked Seokjin calling Yoongi a dog to his face, but he found Yoongi agreeing to it even more confusing. Then Jungkook entered into it and Suga called the other a puppy and Namjoon was wondering if half the group had lost it, but not quite sure how to reign them back in.
--

Jungkook pouted at being called a puppy, but refused to talk back about it since he was trying to be a part of the solution. His Hyung was back to being tucked against him this time, but seemed like he needed it and Yoongi was definitely being unhelpful to the cause. If only Yoongi were away he was sure the plan would be so much easier.

He had no idea how Tae and Jimin could speak so highly of the other guy when to Jungkook it just looked like he was the one creating most of the issue. In fact, he looked up at Tae as if asking him to explain what was so good about Yoongi, besides looking cool anyway.

--

Yoongi relished the look that Seokjin was giving him. He was getting to the other boy. Tiptoeing the dangerous line between taunting him and not getting caught up in the power. He knew what the maknaes wanted, to be together. He could suddenly understand what they were doing and he couldn’t allow it. When it didn’t work out the maknae’s would be upset, but they would get over it. They didn’t understand the consequences of having someone like Seokjin on their team. They had no idea what it was like to be unable to choose what you wanted. To be controlled and forced no matter how much you fought into doing something that you didn’t want to do. Especially something you hated doing. They would thank him when they were older and more mature,

“That’s okay I can take a little hit, especially with Namjoon around to kiss it all better.”

He watched a little annoyed that Taehyung had stopped what Yoongi wanted. He was being foiled by his own teammates,

“Taehyung it’s not nice to hold someone against their will,” He said to the younger boy, though the sentiments were also a lesson for Seokjin he hoped, “Seokjin is a big boy, if he wants to leave then by all means let him.”

He glanced over to look at the list. There now collaborative group was not up yet. Maybe if he could annoy Seokjin enough then they wouldn’t have to work with him.

But Jungkook didn’t like how Yoongi was talking to his hyung, he didn’t want to be part of the problem, but he also couldn’t allow anyone, even the scary Min Yoongi to talk down to his hyung or send him away. He seemed like he just wanted to get to rid of Seokjin, which wasn’t nice. Seokjin had definitely said some inappropriate things to the other team to be sure, but he was clearly being egged on to do so. Jungkook took the wrist that Taehyung wasn’t holding and Seokjin before snapping at Yoongi,

“Stop trying to make Seokjin-hyung leave. I don’t know what your problem with him is, but he’s a great person who could make you do whatever he wants to, but doesn’t because he’s better than that. If you have such a big problem with him then that’s on you, not him.”

He didn’t understand why Yoongi was being so mean to his Hyung. If he wasn’t normally so nervous about him he might actually do some sleuth work to figure out why. Maybe if Tae and Jimin were willing to help he still would.

Yoongi’s eyes turned dangerous causing Jungkook to gulp when he looked back to them, he hugged Tae a little tighter, but he didn’t look away afraid his point wouldn’t come across if he backed down now. He was suddenly glad that Namjoon and Seokjin were in between them.

Yoongi for his part didn’t like the prying. He was trying to hide that part of him and Seokjin couldn’t know, so having the littlest upstart snap at him had turned his slightly glee into anger and a tinge of fear,

“Watch your tongue and mind your business puppy, little dogs who come across big dogs don’t usually do so well.”

Jungkook felt actual fear then. He was definitely being threatened. He wanted to hide behind Seokjin, but Seokjin would then be angrier at the other group, and Jungkook’s want to be there was the whole point of staying, although since they had to work together in the class it wasn’t like Yoongi or Seokjin had much of a choice now. Despite his fears he couldn’t leave it at that and had to say back,

“Big dogs who bully little dogs are not worthy of their talents.”

If Yoongi killed him for that, at least he had gone down fighting.

--

Namjoon for his part was not a fan of Yoongi antagonizing the other group, especially the youngest. He understood that Yoongi was coming from. The two hyungs had good reason to be afraid, but annoying maknaes or hurting people just wasn’t right and was not a good example for the kids.

“Alright everyone let’s just relax,” he looked at Jimin who was something of Yoongi’s mode stabilizer sometimes, hoping the boy got the point that he needed to distract Suga so that there wasn’t a full out brawl between the groups before they had to work together in front of the crowd. He was very glad that they were not the first couple at the very least, “this class at least we have to work together so let’s all try to be civil. Besides no one will be hurting anyone else or setting any bad examples, right?” he said pointedly at Yoongi, who rolled his eyes, but was fine with that.

He was actually glad to have Namjoon cool him down as he really didn’t want to fight the kid. In fact, he respected him a little for sticking up for his hyung and himself. Thankfully Namjoon gave him an out without looking like a punk and Yoongi responded by not replying to Jungkook's last statement. The little hero had a long way to go, but at least he seemed to have a good start of it. In that case he supposed that Seokjin had done some things right…even though he wasn’t about to sing his praises personally.

Namjoon felt he should do something to make it right so he turned to Seokjin and softly said,

"I'm sorry if Yoongi seems to be acting a bit on edge, he's having a rough day." He felt he owed them some sort of explanation.

Soon they would all have to work together and Namjoon, strategist that he was, could not help but wondering how they were going to pull it off.

 

[underoos]

As Jungkook had raised a hand to run over his hyung's reddened, warm ears, Seokjin muttered a quiet, "I'm fine" as he gently brushed his hands away, trying not to bring attention to them. He reminded himself that Jungkook was still there, along with the other two maknaes, and getting carried away would do nothing to help teach them how to resolve conflict. He needed to calm down, after all, but with Min Yoongi just two seats away it was near impossible. More impossible than it was any other day, he thought grumpily to himself. At the innocent statement, however, he couldn't help but huff a small laugh and bring his forehead to the side of Jungkook's head. "I know you can, Kookie."

The momentary amusement was shattered when Yoongi snapped back, Seokjin turning to look at him again. He'd shushed Namjoon who was surely going to disagree with Seokjin as he had earlier and a smug look had crossed his expression, looking far too pleased as he turned around Seokjin's dog analogy into a good thing. He scowled at the blatant lack of disrespect, but honestly, what more could he expect from the person who had it out for him from the beginning? "And like I've said, I'm not looking to take anything from you," he insisted, his last words coming out sharp and harsh. "How many times do I have to explain that I have no interest in anything that you'd like to call 'yours'?"

He heard the jab at Jungkook and glared at Yoongi, a hand coming up to press against Jungkook's head, like a mother might have to keep her child away from the perceived threat. In this instance, Yoongi was the threat and Jungkook managed to get caught up in the cross fire, like usual.

Seokjin always felt horrible for the youngest of them. While he'd willingly joined Jin's team, he'd never signed up to be a part of a lasting rivalry. The stress and tension of it weighed heavy on the hyungs' shoulders and when it became too much, it wasn't unusual for one of them to perhaps snap. Unintentionally, but they always felt bad after, especially Seokjin when he managed to hurt Jungkook through his harsh words that he hadn't thought about. He was only human, after all, but he could do a hell of a lot better than getting angry at his maknae.

Puppy or not, Seokjin didn't perceive the insult as a threat. It was true that Jungkook was young. Nothing wrong with that and in fact, puppies were adorable. So the joke was on Yoongi.

Taehyung, who had made himself quite comfortable where he was sitting, exchanged a look with Jimin. It seemed there was something of understanding gleaming in his eyes, something he needed to share with Tae and Kook, but had to settle for waiting impatiently for time to speak to them in between the squabble of the two oldest hyungs of the groups.

Yoongi admonished Taehyung for trying to keep Seokjin there and he frowned, not wanting to let go. As he scrambled for an excuse, a reason for him to stay, the familiar voice spoken behind him had hi turning his head, noticing the youngest was talking back to Yoongi. And had some valid points. Yoongi had been kind of hostile, though none of the maknaes had ever been around Seokjin and Yoongi to see what a true conversation between them looked like. Mostly because Namjoon would usher them off, and Hoseok would excuse him and Jungkook before something broke, or someone. Then the grip around him tightened, his gaze turning to Yoongi. If looks could kill... Taehyung released the grip from Seokjin's wrist to put against Jungkook's arm, rubbing his thumb lightly over it with a soft hum.

By the tension that appeared in Jungkook's muscles, he wasn't so pleased by the angry reaction he received, and he didn't blame him. It was always kind of terrifying to receive that classic Yoongi look.

That was where Seokjin drew the line, however. Even though Jungkook had stood up for himself, although a bit meekly under a sharp glare, there was no reason to talk to a kid like that. The line was drawn at the maknaes, and Yoongi even should have known that. Seokjin had never let anyone touch Jungkook so long as he could help it. Perhaps he was all but squishing him into his side at that point, turned slightly so that he could cover him, almost like a shield. Taehyung happened to get pulled into it too, tucked a bit close to Seokjin's shoulder, who looked at Jungkook with wide eyes/

But before Seokjin could all but chew out Yoongi, his mouth already opened to start yelling, when Namjoon interrupted. Relax. How could he relax when Yoongi had practically threatened Jungkook?! He ground his teeth, not realizing how tense he was until he sat back again, letting his hands relax from the grip that had started to cramp up. Insults against Seokjin, fine. He could deal. His dongsaengs were a whole different story.

"He'd better knock it off," Seokjin hissed when Namjoon tried to excuse the other's behavior. "Bad day or not, no one talks about or to Jungkook like that." He turned his head sharply, imagining the conversation to end there as his gaze softened, looking at Jungkook apologetically. "Ah... I'm sorry about that, Kook."

Jimin, on the other hand, had noticed the look he received. He'd been watching the drama unfold, unsure of where to jump in or how. He was good at calming others down, but not so much confrontation. Being able to calm the two bickering hyungs down wouldn't have ended well if he tried, so he was glad that Namjoon took the chance. Jimin, instead, took Yoongi's arm and tugged lightly before setting his chin against his shoulder. "Ah, hyung," Jimin said, trying to gain his attention. "You know I can't do a lot to help during the physical aspects of Teamwork." Being a healer was nice, but he was always in the background. "I want to help, though... so you'll help me, right?" He looked up, gaze on their teachers as he waited for the word for them to go down to the floor and work. Hopefully, things would go smoothly, especially if Jungkook managed to pull through with his little plan.

 

[Arabella Cauwell]

Jungkook was a little surprised and hurt by his Hyung’s brush off, but he didn’t make a big deal about it because Seokjin was already dealing with a lot for him. The maknae didn’t understand why Yoongi seemed intent on ruining everything, when even Namjoon wasn’t arguing with Seokjin. The most helpful Hyung at the moment was Hoseok who was either trying to fade into the background or just watching for whatever reason.

He smiled though when he was able to make Seokjin laugh and say he knew he could. It was true, he had been one before. Jin wasn’t normally like this. In fact, now that he thought of it, his interaction with Yoongi was off. Normally he flirted or used his charisma to sooth things over. Jin-hyung could be over the top sometimes, but that was mostly when he was actively trying to diffuse a situation or when people he cared about really annoyed him. But it was always funny and enjoyable. That was not what Jungkook was seeing now.

And he was confused about what Yoongi thought that Seokjin wanted to take from him in the first place. He hoped Jimin or Taehyung could explain it to him later on, as he wasn’t about to ask right now.

Yoongi was a little satisfied at the answer. Maybe he had overreacted and read too much into what he saw, but he had panicked when Seokjin had looked like he was interested. Namjoon was already weak to Seokjin, but fought it. If Seokjin wanted he could have the other boy wrapped around his finger, and with their leader that way it would only be a matter of time before most of the rest of the group followed.

“Good, as long as you keep it that way we no longer need to have this conversation.” Suga said finally something akin to satisfied for the moment.

When Seokjin moved to the protective mom stance Jungkook was actually very happy about it. Pairing that with Taehyung’s calming circles, and not having to look Yoongi long term in the eye due to his hyung’s move he was able to start calming down his rapidly beating heart. That was scary, but he was glad that he did it since it was still the right thing to do.

Honestly, Jungkook had never really seen much of the actual fighting, he only overheard Seokjin’s complaints and Hoseok’s attempts at reason when neither realized that he was listening in. But Hoseok was on the other side completely and there was nowhere to go when they were all supposed to work together. Jungkook wondered if there was a way to get Suga to like him so that he didn’t have to be terrified of him. He still desperately wanted the group together but Yoongi was definitely an obstacle to the dream.

There were a lot of scary looks being tossed around by Seokjin-hyung and Yoongi-hyung and Jungkook was glad not to be a part of them. He ended up in an interesting position with Taehyung as Seokjin tried to block them, either from Yoongi’s threat or influence, he couldn’t be sure which but he was quite happy about it. Getting in between the Hyung’s fights was nerve wracking to say the least.
---


Namjoon had to agree with Seokjin’s sentiments. Jungkook was the youngest of either group and so despite not being one of his own maknaes Namjoon still felt the kid had to be protected. He was after all a friend of Jimin and Taehyungs and should anything ever happen to him they would be devastated. Plus he was not in school learning to become a super hero just to watch his friend act like a bully against the equivalent of a kid. He knew Yoongi didn’t really mean it, but it still wasn’t right, after all Jungkook didn’t know that.

Once Jimin took Yoongi’s arm Namjoon breathed a sigh of relief. Jimin might not realize how much of a help he was in these situations, but he really did. Namjoon could reason with the other boy, who had enough respect for him to listen to him to a degree, but he couldn’t change Yoongi’s mood or stop him from saying something nasty when he was lashing out, but Jimin could.

Perhaps it was because Namjoon knew just how afraid Yoongi really was of being controlled, although sometimes he wasn’t sure if he even knew the full extent. Especially on days like today. Of course he could commiserate, fearing himself if he were out of control, but Yoongi and Namjoon had different reasons even then. Yoongi’s was personal, Namjoon’s was for the greater good.

He blinked, snapping himself out of his daze as he smiled at Jimin, thank goodness that boy was here right now. He may consider himself ‘Just a healer’ at time, but Namjoon wouldn’t have traded him for any other power he could think up. Especially not right now.

---

Yoongi was not pleased by many of the day’s events. He felt a lot of emotions swirling inside him to the point that he was looking forward to using his powers to take it out on the team he was going to go up against next. But he couldn’t really feel any sense of relaxation until Jimin tugged his arm and rested his chin on his shoulder.

As if Seokjin didn’t exist, which was honestly what Yoongi needed about now, Yoongi decided to look at Jimin and relax, at least a little bit. No matter what the maknaes wanted Bangtan and Sonyeondan obviously couldn’t be in the same room without arguing, so the chances that they’d get there way were slim to none. Seokjin didn’t look like he was about to seduce Namjoon any time soon, so he could rest a bit before taking his aggression out on the other team.

He looked back at Jimin, distracted into worrying about one of his own Maknae’s instead of snapping at anothers,

“Don’t say that Jimin. Healing is a very important skill and you help more than you seem to know. Think of how amazing it is to know that you have the power to save a friends life and in our line of work that’s a higher probability than most.”

Yoongi was serious of course, but if pressed he would have to admit that there was something of an imbalance in the team. It was a bit hard to fight against other teams, unless they were smaller, when half of his team didn’t get involved in the physical aspects of it and one of them generally acted like he was playing with the other team.

A part of the reason that Yoongi had managed to keep such a fierce reputation in school probably had to do with the fact that whenever they had to do public team fights he usually was the one to handle the physical aspects.

Namjoon hated his power to the point that he refused to use it during practice against the other teams. He and even some of the teachers felt it could be used for evil if it got into the wrong hands so they let Namjoon slide. He even had a note about it so that it couldn’t affect his grades if he didn’t use it. That was well and good, except when the team was outnumbered or overpowered, particularly when he wasn’t even around to strategize.

Jimin was a healer by nature and so while Yoongi wouldn’t exactly say that he was in the background, it was true that it was more of a Russian roulette of if he’d be needed or not and there was something of a problem of him being targeted, although Namjoon took the brunt of that due to his ability to appear weak, but refusal to give in. But when Namjoon was off with a mentor getting private lessons to hide his power from the class then Jimin would most likely be the main target.

Thankfully Taehyung had Teleportation. He was really good at saving people on the team at just the right moment, but he was also somewhat easily distracted. When the boy was able to focus for any given time it was helpful, but usually everything came down to Yoongi.

Yoongi fluctuated between sudden, wild attacks and actually pretty well calculated ones. He’d learned some things during his time with Namjoon, but his true nature was wild and seemingly untamable. He could intimidate some of the best of them because most of his fears were not normal or obvious and at least considering they were working together he could assume that Seokjin wouldn’t turn her power on him during class at least.

“I’ll always help you when you need it Jimin,” he said with a little smile, tired though he might be, “that’s what hyungs are for.”

And he meant it to. He wouldn’t let anything happen to his groups maknaes, and considering he was the oldest in Bangtan that was saying something.

---

The loud speakers echoed the voices of Mr. Shim and Mr. Jung as they listed off different groups, made them pick an overall leader or strategist, explained the rules and went through the activity. Once his and Seokjin’s team didn’t seem to be snapping at each other, Namjoon watched the demonstrations and wrote notes as he went, which he always did in order to compile it onto his computer and remember as much of it as he could. But as time ticked away and groups completed their tasks it soon came to that dreaded moment when Mr. Jung called their groups names and explained who they were verseing. Thankfully the names were also up on the projector banners along with the rules and goal.

“Bangtan and Sonyeondan please come on down along with Blackpink and Exo-K1, both sides please choose an overall leader for now, preferably your strategist.” Mr. Shim said as the names of each team member flashed up on different boards so that the audience could see what was happening.

Namjoon looked over at Seokjin at that statement rising from his seat and starting towards the arena,

“I can’t be of much help when it comes to power usage,” Namjoon said pulling out his note to be ready to show to the teachers, “so I hope you’re okay with me being the leader for this since most of the time I’m a strategist.”

And they were going to need one, considering the other team had Rose,

“We are going to need all the help we can get in strategy, since Rose’s power may trip us up a bit,” when Jungkook looked at him questioningly Namjoon scratched his neck having forgotten to inform the others about how he would know such a thing, “sorry I should explain. I’ve compiled documentation on what I view on tv, in classes, and wherever I can find relevant and proven information on superheros, villains, and those in training. I definitely remember the students we are about to go up against.”

Jungkook blinked at him impressed, before Namjoon continued,

“Of course Exo was a bit easier to figure out since Jimin is friends with Kai.” Namjoon said matter-of-factly as Yoongi pushed passed him to get down the staircase, obviously excited to get out some of his aggression on a physical task, but still not running as that was not Yoongi’s style.

Soon they were face to face with their teachers on one side, their opponents on the other. Namjoon was glad that they were going to face an even amount so that he could pair them up, one on one style in case need be. He was already making calculations in his head as Mr. Shim explained the task,

“Now that you have your Teams I’ll explain the mission. Your assignment is to capture the other team’s gem and keep it until the time runs out, which is ten minutes on the clock. Both gems are different colors and you need both gems to officially win. To tie both teams have to have one each, it doesn’t matter if that is your own or the other teams.”

Yunho shortened both Names combining them, making Namjoon and Seokjin’s into BTS and Blackpink and Exo-K1’s into BPEX1.

Changmin paused in giving instructions long enough to hand one gem to BTS:

And the other to BPEX1:

“You will have to choose a member to hide or protect it to begin with and the opposite team will try to guess who is holding it and steal it from them if they can. You can switch who has the gem throughout the game, but obviously it’s more likely to get caught after the first switch. But that’s all up to you and your strategists to decide.”

Mr. Jung nodded,

“Soon we’ll be getting to the best part, but first both sides will get to talk to each other and decide who will hold the gem first. Each time has five minutes to strategize, starting…now.” He said checking his watch first.

Namjoon took the gem to bring it over to his own team, getting into a huddle as the others circled around,

“Alright so who should we give this gem to first? Keeping in mind that Rose’s power is sporadic clairvoyance.”

“Speratic clare-whaence?” Junkook questioned, confused.

Namjoon looked over at him, answering in simpler terms,

“In other words she can occasionally look into the future, so at any point she may figure out who has the gem from that luck alone.”

And it was true, although not guaranteed Rose did have such an ability, so the other team had somewhat of an advantage in that way. But just because they might know who had it didn’t necessarily mean they would be able to get it. Namjoon began formulating a plan in his mind, but honestly he could formulate a plan off of any other member holding it besides himself, so it was easy to open up the discussion.

“Does anyone have any suggestions about who should protect it?” he questioned since the first time had gotten a bit jumbled in translation.

They were minutes away from having to try to work together, but oddly as he put together a strategy he was surprised by how nicely even the other teams powers meshed with his own. He could kind of see why the maknaes thought it might be a good idea to join forces. If only Seokjin had a different power. If only Namjoon did. If only indeed.

 

[underoos]

While it had originally been to distract the eldest of Bangtan and pry his attention away from the building tension between him and Seokjin, the conversation had made Jimin smile softly. Though he always had such a hard exterior, Yoongi was kind- when he wanted to be. He always had a soft spot for his dongsaengs, and now was no different, as he told Jimin the importance of his role in the group. In the beginning of their group, Jimin had been anxious to do well and prove his worth to his hyungs and Taehyung. He had gotten himself into some sticky situations those first few months especially. It was hard to combat against anyone when his specialty was healing, not damaging, and he had come to realize that quick when someone had gotten the upper hand on him.

Suffice to say, it hadn't ended well and he had learned the consequences quickly. He'd been lectured thoroughly about putting himself in danger if he were to do that with a real threat, and the danger his fellow members would be in, and he'd started to cry, admitting how valuable he wanted to be. Of course, his team had been there to convince him that he was valuable indeed. He had learned from it, but to hear it repeated was always nice and a reminder of how important he was to their little team, despite lacking in the category of fighting.

"Thanks, Hyung," he said, pleased to know that Yoongi had relaxed for the time being. He continued to hang off of him until they were being called up.

_________________

As much as it bruised his ego, Seokjin knew that Namjoon was best for the team as a leader. He hated to admit it aloud, because if he did that it would look like he was giving in and would probably give Bangtan something else to give them shit about, so he fixed Namjoon with an icy look before sighing in a dramatic manner. "Fine," he said, standing from his own seat and ushering the maknaes beside him to go ahead (so he could put some distance between them and the members of the other team that were really grating on his nerves). Once he and Jungkook were a far enough distance, coming down to the ground, he eyed their opponents.

Namjoon was... actually impressive, if he were being honest with himself. He documented all about those he saw and already knew about their classmate opponents. He was prepared, and probably over prepared for a class assignment such as this one. He didn't know of many others who had that much dedication; after all, most of them were just going with the flow, trying to pass all their classes so they could finally get that super hero diploma in their hands and wing the rest of their careers. Namjoon always had a plan, though, which was why being the strategist was a good move.

Though, Jin had to admit that he was a little excited to get out there and win... the day had been tolling already. Getting up and moving around with winning in mind would really help quite a few of them, he though, taking a glance backwards at Yoongi. Then he sneered, head spinning so he was facing forward again. Nope, not gonna open that can of worms again.

He recognized some of the other team as he looked again; some were closer to his age, primarily the guys from EXO-K1, so he'd had classes with them in the past. On the other hand, the girls were younger, closer to the maknaes' ages, and he had little to no interaction with them before apart from passing in the halls. His brows furrowed, trying to remember who they were or what powers belonged to any of them. Well, damn, he thought as he slung an arm around Jungkook's shoulders. He caught one of the girls eyeing their team as well; she was trailing behind the rest of them, gaze shifting constantly between them all, before landing on Seokjin. They locked eyes, Seokjin raising a single brow at her, but she smiled knowingly at him and ducked away. ...Huh. Unsure of what that was about, Seokjin turned his attention to their teacher again.

As Mr. Jung went through all they had for the day; the gems, the team names, their objective and how to win. It sounded fun, in all honesty, Seokjin thought to himself, bouncing a bit on his toes. He looked across the group to Hoseok, who was interestedly looking at the little gem in Namjoon's hand as he brought it over. The other had been quiet (understandably so in the company they were currently keeping), but Jin wasn't quite so worried about him (yet).

Jungkook spoke up, having the same thought that Jin did- what the hell was her power?

He took a look back, finding the group on the other side of the gym as he sized them up, wondering just what they might have to bring to the table as far as other powers. He could only hope that Namjoon had something good up his sleeve himself.

___________

Taehyung and Jimin stood together, on one side of Hoseok, and shared a glance between them as Namjoon asked who would take the gem. They seemed to speak without any words, only subtle tilts or shakes of their heads paired with small mouth movements gave any indication that they were communicating at all. In all honesty, Hoseok found it kind of (very) creepy at times. A grin lit up Taehyung's face, seeming to understand something Jimin had said, and raised his hand quickly. "I-"

Jimin shushed him as soon as he began to speak, grabbing his arm and bringing it down. "Quiet, Tae."

Taehyung nodded quickly. Right, right. Quiet, he thought as his eyes shifted to the other team to make sure his mishap hadn't caught any attention. "I can take it," he said, his voice quieter now then it had been with Jimin grasping his shoulder. "I'm better at getting away." But there was something mischievous in his gaze that made Hoseok believe that there was more to it than that statement. Surely the younger two had planned something, if the identical smiles were to give anything away. He frowned, turning to look at anyone else in the group who might be able to make sense of their silliness, but everyone else he looked at (minus Yoongi, because he was still a little terrified from earlier) didn't seem to pay much mind.

 

[Arabella Cauwell]

Yoongi nodded at Jimin, pleased that the boy seemed to get the point. Jimin was important to their group, but it seemed to be hard for healers to get respect or feel that they were needed until something dire happened. For a brief moment Yoongi wondered if he should…not defend fully against attacks should he say. He wasn’t someone who feared physical pain per say and Jimin seriously seemed like he could use the pick-me-up, but soon he thought better of it as he just knew that if he did and it was noticed it would lead to too much explaining, and even if he wasn’t with how annoyingly caring his group was they’d probably demand that he not be alone for his recovery and Suga just couldn’t take that level of attention. So for now he thought better of it.

Yoongi was more than happy to hear that Namjoon was the agreed upon leader. It only made sense to him though, because Namjoon was a king of strategy and Yoongi already knew how little Namjoon was going to likely show or help physically, so he might as well pull his weight some way or other. At least Namjoon understood everyone’s strengths and weaknesses, and likely how to use them. He would not be disappointed.

_________________

Namjoon could feel time slipping by way too quickly. Five minutes, they only had five minutes to deal with a lot and from the looks on the others faces and his knowledge of his own group most of them were not keeping track of other student’s powers. He glanced over at Rose. She was quiet, but crafty and Namjoon knew that she didn’t tend towards physical fighting as much as strategy, so she was a good matchup for him, although he did wish that they were fighting an all male team as he wasn’t sure how all of the members of the groups felt about fighting women.

Yoongi didn’t care who he fought and found it insulting to women in the super hero training that men even had those thoughts, but honestly most of them were raised against violence towards women so it was a hard thing to break even for a good cause. Unfortunately Namjoon knew that Yoongi was needed elsewhere considering the powers he knew the others had. This was a shame because honestly Namjoon was more concerned about Blackpink’s half than Exo-K1’s. He felt they were more powerful or at least more surprising then the boys.

But he didn’t have time to dwell on that. He had less than five minutes to explain everything each member had to know. He just hoped they’d listen and follow his plan,

“Okay, so thankfully we are up against seven members, so we can do one on ones to try to figure out who has their gem and take it. I’ll verse Rose since that’s going to be more about strategy than physicality. Seokjin you get Lisa, she has the power of invisibility. Yoongi since you have no fear of fire you take Chanyeol. Hoseok if anyone can deflect water attacks its likely you so you’ll have Suho. Jimin, Jisoo is also a healer as well. Both sides will likely have their healers keeping watch just in case, but I have an additional job for you. Our main goal is to find out who has the gem. In case they decide to put it with their healer I need you to check Jisoo as well as keep an eye out for who seems most suspicious of it on their team. If the other team ignores you than it will actually be better for us since we’ll have an extra set of eyes. Taehyung you’ll be taking on Kai as you both Teleport, plus since Jimin tells you practically everything you probably have some of the best intel on him through Jimin. And lastly, Jungkook I’m giving you kind of a heavy hitter since you have a more well rounded power than most of us. Jennie has the power of ice, her usual move is to freeze things. I figure with your ability to shape shift you would have the best shot.”

Yoongi nodded. He knew exactly why Namjoon would give him the fire powered one, even without him explaining it, although he was pretty sure that was for the rest of the group’s sake that he had. Yoongi was pretty perfect for for the job, because while most people feared fire he actually liked it. You couldn’t quite call him a Pyromaniac, but he came pretty close. Plus he would definitely be able to use a lot of the days pent up anger either way so it was a win win for him.

Jungkook also nodded, feeling excited that Namjoon thought enough of him to pair him up with such a strong opponent. Of course now he was starting to feel guilty about his future deceit, but it was after all for the greater good. He could always make it up to Namjoon later when they were all one big family…or team rather. It also wouldn’t be too hard to fake an injury against such a powerful opponent.

As a fairly younger hero though he was not sure who Jennie actually was though, but he wasn’t sure if he’d look silly if he asked. So he decided to watch the others or watch for the actual freezing power just in case.

Namjoon meanwhile looked over at the women, before deciding it would probably be a good idea to give his team something of a pep talk,

“Blackpink and Exo-K1 are formidable, but the teachers weren’t kidding when they said that they were purposefully picking people who don’t get along this time, unless Kai and Jennie dating was a rumor. Besides Blackpink doesn’t have a leader so having to arbitrarily decide on one may work in our favor, particularly if Exo gets pissed that it wasn’t them. So everyone just do your best and work together as a team as best as you can. If worse comes to worse remember that you’re not the only one who has to work with people they don’t usually get along with. At least there are no exes in either of our groups.”

And everyone knows that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…although Namjoon would feel better if he had the data on why they broke up in the first place to assure him of just how bad they got along or how mutual it was. He looked over at Jennie who seemed to be ignoring Kai, but nodding along to whatever Rose was saying. Kai himself looked nervous which gave Namjoon some hope.

Being so wrapped up in the little time he had and tons of stimuli hitting him from all directions Namjoon missed Taehyung and Jimin’s look, but he did hear the, “I,” blinking as Taehyung offered himself as at least the first holder of the gem. To be honest he was a bit skeptical. Not because Taehyung didn’t have a good point, but because he wasn’t sure if the other team had heard him and whether it would be best to skip him for that reason. He looked down at the gem and considered, but he didn’t have long to decide and honestly Taehyung or Hoseok would be the best at passing it to another if they were found out.

But he was almost tempted to give it to Jimin as the other team was unlikely to think of him and Jimin would feel more involved that way. But he really didn’t want to cause Taehyung to be sad and there was honestly always the possibility that Rose’s power would reveal who had it or who won at any point either way.

“Alright, but Seokjin-hyung, Hoseok, and Yoongi-hyung make sure that if you see Tae in trouble and you can manage it you help him. You three have the best range to be able to do so and Jungkook already has a powerful enough enemy so I can’t put that on him.” Namjoon said signaling that they all get into a circle so that they could hide who it was passed to.

Yoongi looked over at Jimin and Taehyung eyeing them suspiciously. They were definitely up to something, but he’d likely not find out what until their plan was well under way. He was going to keep an eye on him if he could though. But first he had to get serious about the competition.

Reaching into his pocket Suga pulled out ear buds and popped them into his ears. Jungkook, who was surprised and curious forgot how nervous he was of Yoongi as his curiosity won out,

“What are those hyung?”

Yoongi didn’t answer, but Namjoon took pity on the maknae and did,

“Yoongi-hyung’s power is that of a creator, particularly of machines and mechanics. He can invent things, sometimes in mere minutes if he has the right equipment, that can help him battle. Those earphones make sure that he’s not susceptible to verbal commands or similar powers when they’re in. He may have outfitted them to do something else, but last time I checked that was its main job.”

Namjoon knew that Yoongi’s pockets would also have inventions and supplies. Yoongi also had brought his backpack, which meant that there were more there as well. Namjoon was comforted by the thought, but he did briefly feel a little sorry for Chanyeol.

Once that was done he heard a ding, signaling the five minute time up and nodded, nervous but somehow excited. Versing another strategist would be an interesting experience he didn’t get often during practical portions of class, hell half the time he got out of them with his principal approved note. But as long as he didn’t have to harm anyone such a game would be fun.

--

“Alright teams time is up, come to the center and prepare to start the match.” Mr. Shim called on the microphone.

Both teams gathered together at the center, before Mr. Jung got in the middle, waiting until both sides looked ready. Then he snapped his fingers, sparks flying out, and called out,

“Begin!” as the timer started.